Danai faces tough Suzuki test today/ Danai Udomchoke and serve-and-volleyer Takao Suzuki of Japan are to square off in the opening rubber as Thailand launch their campaign against Japan in the Davis Cup Zone Asia-Oceania Group I play-offs today.

After the drawing ceremony presided over by referee Wayne McKeuwen at the Namihaya Dome, the venue for this tie, the Thai No 2 was pitted against the Japanese ace, who stands No 169 in the world.

Former world No 8 Paradorn Srichaphan is scheduled to meet Goichi Motomura in the second rubber, which could serve as Paradorn’s chance to avenge his stunning three-set-defeat at the hands of the Japanese in the 2002 edition in Muang Thong Thani.

The on-form Danai has competed with the Japanese veteran four times and is 1-3 behind. The Thai, ranked 20 places above his rival, foresaw a tough rubber against Suzuki, who should benefit greatly from the fast Taraflex surface.

“He is dangerous on this surface because he has a serve-and-volley game. It’s going to be a tough task for me. I can tell the match will be very close,” said Danai, who is recovering from a thigh injury.

A confident Thai No 1 Paradorn said his team has a tendency to reap two victories in the singles on the first day. But Paradorn himself bagged only two wins in five meets with Motomura, who has a very persistent baseline game.

“We should be able to win the first two points on Friday. If we can really do it, it will be a big relief. But we will not underestimate the Japanese players, who always give their best with the crowds behind them,” said Paradorn, whose ranking has slipped to 42 in the world.

“I’ve played Motomura several times. He chases the balls well and runs fast from the baseline. I have to be consistent against him,” added Paradorn, who said his injured shoulder has improved.

Thai captain Chanachai Srichaphan complimented the top two Japanese players, but believed the competence of his players will bring Thailand victory.

“Suzuki’s game is suited to this surface and Motomura is very fast. But overall, our team is better. Our players are in great shape and should stand a better chance in the tie,” said the father of Paradorn.

Japanese captain Eiji Takeuchi said the indoor court was being used as it is the rainy season in Osaka. He disagreed that his team could take a huge advantage from the surface.

“I don’t think we’ll have a big advantage from the type of surface. The real advantage is the cheers from the fans. But I think we have a 50-50 chance of winning,” he said.

Despite having the edge over the classy Paradorn in their life-time match-up record, Motomura remained humble about his sixth meet with the Thai.

“I beat him in our last Davis Cup match, but that was three years ago. But I’m happy to play him again. I have practised hard for this match and I’m looking forward to it,” said the 32-year-old Motomura.

Twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana have been nominated for the doubles team for Thailand and will play Suzuki and Satoshi Iwabuchi tomorrow. Sunday is scheduled for the reversed singles. The first country to win three rubbers will remain in this group next year.