Published on Sep 26, 2005
Courtesy : Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation

Paradorn made to work hard for Thailand in play-offs. Paradorn Srichaphan overcame a late fightback from Indonesia’s Prima Simpatiaji to help Thailand win the Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania third round play-offs yesterday.

The 1,000 fans at the Bangkok University Rangsit Campus court were treated to a nail-biting encounter when the Indonesian had three set points at 6-3 in the fourth set tie-break, serving to level the match.

But as the pressure mounted Simpatiaji hit a double fault and then netted a forehand, much to the relief of the crowd. Paradorn pounced on his opportunity and turned the situation around, wrapping up the match 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 7-6 (8-6) after three hours.

“I was prepared for a fifth set. But it was experience that kept me out there. He served a double fault and I started dictating points from then,” said Paradorn, who ran around the court carrying the national flag after his triumph.

Thailand beat Indonesia 4-1 and earned the right to stay in Group I next year. Indonesia will be relegated to Group II.

In the meaningless other singles rubber, Sanchai Ratiwatana beat Sunu Wahyu Trijati 7-6 (7-4) 6-2.

“We are glad to make the fans happy by retaining our status in group I. Next year we don’t know who we will play, but it will be better if we play host,” said Thai captain Chanachai Srichaphan.

Paradorn looked set to have another easy day on court as he sailed through the first set in only 28 minutes, thanks to his superior groundstrokes.

But Simpatiati played a typical Indonesian style of game by chasing down every ball and he won the second set. The Thai regained his composure again to win the third set and strode to a 3-0 lead in the fourth set.

But then the demon in him sneaked out and got the better of him. He became erratic and upset while the fans cheered passionately to help raise his spirits. Paradorn served two double faults in a row to fall 6-3 behind in the tie break in what the fans expected to be the final set.

But Simpatiaji suffered from nerves and double faulted, then hit a forehand into the net. As the momentum swung back his way, Paradorn dominated with his groundstrokes and finished off his rival.

“It was a long match because he played good and I didn’t get used to his style,” said Paradorn. “Some of my injuries came back during the match but it will not affect me in the Thailand Open. “I just need some massage and to take a rest for one day,” added Paradorn, who will play a qualifier tomorrow in the US$550,000 Thailand Open.

The first round of the 2006 Davis Cup will be held from February 10-12. Other countries in Group I are Taiwan, Japan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan.

Related articles 1 2 3
Davis Cup THA vs INA results >>> Click here
Davis Cup photo album >>> Click here