Published on Mar 04, 2005
Courtesy : The Nation Agencies

Tie even after inspired play by Qureshi

Favourites Thailand faced a stiff challenge from Pakistan with the two nations locked at 1-1 on the opening day of their Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I tie yesterday.

Competing on unfamiliar grass at the Lahore Gymkhana, which resembled a field, Thailand lost the first rubber when Danai Udomchoke was upset by Aisam Qureshi who brushed aside cramps to win 2-6 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (5-7).

World No 33 Paradorn Srichaphan, despite some below par play, got the equaliser for the Kingdom when he defied a challenge from an inspired Aqeel Khan to win the second rubber 6-4 1-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-1.

Danai failed to grab the opportunity when Qureshi developed cramps late in the fourth set and had a difficult time moving.

“I should have taken the chance but I have to give credit to Aisam as he was serving very well, especially on that match point. My serve really let me down today,” Danai said.

In a match which should have gone his way in straight sets, Paradorn played a loose second set and faced a never-say-die attitude from Khan who delighted the crowd with the exuberance with which he chased the ball in the third.

Relying on his broad tour experience, the Asian No 1 proved more consistent to wrap up the third set tie-break and then never looked back.

“I have no worries because I believe our team will win this tie in the end,” team captain Chanachai Srichaphan said.

“Paradorn was a bit rusty today because he has some problem with the weather conditions as it's very dusty and cool. It's difficult for him to breathe.”

With the first day's play being drawn, today's doubles will be crucial. Thailand will adjust its doubles combination by fielding Paradorn and Danai instead of the initial choice of Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana. The brothers both have a sore throat and are not in a condition to compete.

Danai was not able to handle Qureshi's serve and volley game and the Pakistani No 1 cruised through the first two sets 6-2 7-5.

The Thai fought back in the third set and won the tie-break 7-5 to extend the match to a fourth set. Qureshi managed an early break to jump to a 4-1 lead but Danai hit three fine returns to break back at 4-4.

Suffering cramps so bad that he could barely move, the Pakistani gritted his teeth to stay in the game and took his time between points to set up a triple match point at 6-3. Danai saved two but made an easy return to the net to surrender the match.

“I was in a lot of pain in the fourth set, but thankfully I recovered after taking painkilling injections,” Qureshi, who will partner Khan in today's doubles, said.

“I'm confident I'll recover for tomorrow's doubles because it will be crucial for us,” he said.

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