Published on Mar 07, 2005
Courtesy : The Nation Agencies

LAHORE: Pakistan played giant killer to hand Thailand their worst loss in four years in the Davis Cup regional zone Group I tie yesterday.

The well-prepared hosts and their No 1 player Aisam Qureshi showed no fear of their higher-ranked hosts.

Qureshi came up with the biggest win of his career by stunning Paradorn Srichaphan 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-4, propelling his team to a win over their more powerful opponents regardless of the final rubber. Danai won the meaningless match over Shazad Khan 6-3 7-6 (7-1).

It was sweet revenge for Pakistan who lost 5-0 to Thailand in Bangkok in the first round last year. The South Asian country's record against the Kingdom now stands at 4-3 since they first met in 1984.

Thailand paid the price for under-estimating their opponents and failing to prepare properly. Paradorn went to Lahore not fully fit due to fever while doubles specialists Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana were exhausted from a series of events and developed sore throats on their way to Pakistan.

Qureshi served up 21 aces in the heroic three-hour win over Thailand's world No 33 Paradon, the highest ranked player he has ever beaten.

“This is the most memorable match of my career. We practised on this surface for nearly two weeks and got used to the court. The Thai players arrived only two days before the tie which went to our advantage,” the 214th-ranked serve and volleyer said.

The last time Thailand lost the first round qualifier was to China in 2001. This degrading loss meant the campaign to reach the World Group Play-offs for the fourth successive year has been cut short.

To ensure they remain in group I next year, Thailand in July will have to beat Japan who lost to Taiwan

2-3.

Paradorn blamed the loss on the condition of the grass surface, almost half of which is soil.

“I tried hard but I think it was more than just bad luck for me. Funny bounces on the grass courts made it difficult for me,” said a disappointed Paradorn.

Thai No 2 Danai was of the same opinion as Paradorn about the tough surface at the Lahore Gymkhana.

“We were at a big disadvantage because of the bad condition of the grass. It was more like a combination of grass and clay on this surface. However the Pakistanis served really well,” Danai said.

Team assistant manager Colonel Phitsanu Atthakornsiripho denied Thailand had underestimated the underdogs Pakistan.

“If we underestimated them, we would not have sent Paradorn and Danai to play in the doubles on Saturday. They did their best and I hope that fans in Thailand will understand and still support us,” Phitsanu said. The team arrive back in Bangkok this morning.

Paradorn played solidly on his service games in the first set but that was not the case in the 11th game. He started missing his shots and Qureshi applied a fine passing shot to break the ice for the first time and lead 6-5.

The Thai ace saved three set points in the next game and even had a couple of break chances but could not convert. Qureshi served well and took the set after Paradorn netted his forehand.

Paradorn finally found his momentum in the second set and broke his opponent for the first time for a convincing lead at 5-2. Two superb passing shots helping the Thai break his opponent in the next game and give him the second set in just 29 minutes.

Qureshi struck back in the third set, taking advantage of uncharacteristic errors from his Thai opponent to secure only one break which was all he needed. At 5-4, the inspired Pakistani came back from 15-30, serving incredibly to take the 40-minute set for a 2-1 lead.

Two double faults cost Paradorn dearly in the seventh game as it gave Qureshi a crucial break to lead 4-3 in the fourth set. The Pakistani held the lead tightly to the end and closed out the match with two aces.

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