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Published on July 17, 2005
Courtesy : The Nation
By Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

[TENNIS] Thailand must win today’s two remaining singles rubbers after Japan trounced them in the doubles in the Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Group I play-offs at the Namihaya Dome yesterday.

Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, despite having a higher world doubles ranking at 130, were no match for the fast game and better tactics of Takao Suzuki, ranked No 240, and Satoshi Iwabuchi, ranked No 760, who shocked them 6-3 6-4 3-6 7-6

(7-3) in two hours, 22 minutes.

The Thai team now trail 2-1 and must recover today in the reverse singles to fulfil their target of remaining in Group I in 2006. Paradorn Srichaphan kicks off today’s programme against Takao Suzuki, followed by the final rubber between Danai Udomchoke and Goichi Motomura.

However, Thai captain Chanachai Srichaphan has not thrown in the towel.

“I never had the feeling that we will lose this tie. Tomorrow we will come back to win the last two rubbers. But it will be tough work,’’ said Chanachai.

“I’m confident that Paradorn can beat Suzuki. He beat Suzuki twice in 2002 and 2003. I trust in the ability of Paradorn as he is playing better than in the first half of the year,’’ added the father of the Thai No 1.

If Paradorn wins, Danai must complete the fightback by winning his match. The Thai captain also has high expectations for Thai No 2.

“Danai and Motomura have similar games – they play from the baseline,” he said. “Danai stands a better chance because Motomura is physically not 100 per cent,’’ added Chanachai.

The Ratiwatana brothers said they gave their all, but the Japanese duo were too good. Iwabuchi, in particular, played well above his normal standard.

“I really have to give credits to Iwabuchi because normally he does not volley this good,’’ said Sanchai.

“We did not have a chance at all in the first two sets. We improved our game later in the match, but it was just not enough to beat them,’’ added Sonchat.

Despite his team being one rubber away from victory, Japanese captain Eiji Takeuchi does not underestimate Thailand.

“Even though we are 2-1 up, I still feel like we are tied at 1-1. We still have to win the first rubber tomorrow. Suzuki will try hard to beat Paradorn and even if he loses, Motomura will beat Danai in the final rubber,’’ he said.

Local hero Suzuki admitted he was exhausted from his match against Danai, when he staved off three match points to upset the Thai No 2.

“I was tired and had cramps in the fourth set. I’m happy that we won in four sets because I needed to get rest for Sunday’s match,’’ added the 29-year-old serve and volleyer, who is at the top of his game.