Published on Mar 06, 2005
Courtesy : The Nation Agencies

Pakistan overpower Thailand

With their back to the wall, Thailand must win both of today's reverse singles rubbers to secure a chance for a place in the Davis Cup World Group Play-off after a surprise defeat in the doubles match to Pakistan yesterday.

The combination of Paradorn Srichaphan and Danai Udomchoke, who substituted for the ill Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, was totally eclipsed by the brilliant teamwork of Aisam Qureshi and Aqeel Khan, losing 4-6 7-5 2-6 6-7 (4-7) in front of delighted fans at the Lahore Gymkhana.

After splitting the singles tie 1-1 on Friday, the stunning doubles loss left Thailand with no choice but to win the two remaining singles matches. Failure means they will have to beat the losing team between Japan and Taiwan to avoid being relegated to Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group II in 2006. Japan was 2-1 ahead of Taiwan yesterday.

Asian No 1 Paradorn must beat Qureshi in today's fourth rubber to force the decisive rubber between Danai and Khan. The matches can be seen live on UBC SuperSport from 2pm.

While the 33rd-ranked Paradorn should hold all the aces going into the match against Qureshi, Danai and Khan will inevitably decide the winner of this tie.

Thailand has never lost the first round in the group I regional qualifying since 2001. The country has dominated the qualifying competition and reached the play-off for three consecutive years from 2002-2004.

Non play-captain Chanachai Srichaphan, who has not been in the position of 1-2 down since he took the role in 2002, still remained positive of Thailand's chances to bounce back today.

“I believe Paradorn can help Thailand get back into the tie by winning his singles tomorrow and Danai is good enough to beat Khan. Despite the current situation, I'm sure we will turn things around,'' Chanachai said.

Assistant national team manager Colonel Phitsanu Atthakornsiripho praised Paradorn who has still not fully recovered from a sore throat but showed some spirit in the doubles.

“He took his chances even though he is still sick. That's why he didn't play at his normal level. Even though we lost the doubles, every point was close. But I believe we will bounce back on Sunday,'' Phitsanu said.

Despite losing the doubles, Paradorn sounded a warning to Pakistan for Sunday's reverse singles.

"We are not disappointed at all after losing today. I am not used to playing doubles with Udomchoke and probably that's why they put us under pressure. I am confident to play much better against Aisam tomorrow," Paradorn said.

While Paradorn was not familiar pairing with Danai, it was a different story for Qureshi and Khan.

“I am quite comfortable playing doubles with Aqeel and we have very good understanding. We were not under pressure at all and were confident to win this crucial match as the grass court suits us more than Thai players," the Pakistani No 1 said.

The Ratiwatana twins probably would have done better in the doubles but they were sidelined by sore throats. That left Paradorn and Danai, who haven't practised together, to play the match instead.

Qureshi and Khan, though less experienced on the pro tour, played well above themselves. They proved a better team in almost every aspect: quick reactions, faster movement, better serves and finer volleying.

At one set all, Pakistan took full charge in the third set while Paradorn and Danai were very erratic and played under pressure. The hosts managed a double break to win the third set for a 2-1 lead.

In the see-saw fourth set, Pakistan still dominated the game, thanks to impressive serves from Qureshi and the unfancied Khan who showed no signs of intimidation. Pakistan had a crucial break in the 11th game for a chance to serve for the match at 6-5.

The Thais struck back right away with fine returns to break at love to force the tie break. But in the end Pakistan proved more superior on grass and wrapped up the match with an ace by Khan.

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