Published on Sep 24, 2005
Courtesy : Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation

Paradorn and Danai brush aside weak rivals in opener. Thailand showed no mercy to unfancied visitors Indonesia as they reeled off the first two rubbers for a 2-0 lead in the Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania third round play-offs at the Bangkok University Rangsit Campus yesterday. The demolition began with Paradorn Srichaphan giving a tennis lesson to 18-year-old Sunu Wahyu Trijati in just one hour and 35 minutes to win the first clash 6-1 6-4 6-2.

Then Danai Udomchoke tamed Prima Simpatiaji in straight sets 6-2 6-3 6-4 to wrap up the second rubber for Thailand. The Kingdom’s team need just one more victory to win the tie and a spot in the 2006 group I.

Throughout the match, the 56th ranked Paradorn was barely challenged by his inexperienced opponent. His superior groundstrokes and net game proved too much for the Indonesian to handle.

“He is still young and has less experience. But there was a little difficulty in adjusting to the speed of the ball which was slower than what I am used to on the tour,” said Paradorn who closed out the match with an ace.

The match against Trijati was a good test for Paradorn who is recovering from a right foot injury - so far, so good.

“Everything is fine. I didn’t feel any pain today probably because there were no long rallies. I played well and served well which made it tough for him,” added Paradorn who plans to skip Sunday’s reverse singles if Thailand takes a 3-0 lead today.

Danai needed a minute less than Paradorn to complete his victory over Simpatiaji. He also beat the Indonesian in the SEA Games in Vietnam two years ago.

“At the beginning my first serves did not work and it took me awhile to get my momentum. He started to serve better in the third set but I managed to break him in the final game,” said Danai has gone straight into the main draw of next week’s Thailand Open.

For Thai captain Chanachai Srichaphan it all went according to plan by winning the first two rubbers. “That was the goal. If we won the first two rubbers, it would be much easier in the remaining rubbers,” said the father of Paradorn who predicts a stiff challenge from Indonesia in today’s doubles.

“Straight from my heart, the Indonesian players are more experienced. The doubles will not be easy for our team. The Indonesian players play flat balls which is difficult for us. But I believe in the end my players will win,” Chanachai said.

Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana are scheduled to play veteran Suwandi Suwandi and Bonit Wiryawan in the doubles rubber at 11am.

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