Published on Apr 24, 2004
Courtesy : Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
The Nation

Top seed Thailand cleared their last hurdle in the preliminary round competition against New Zealand to top Pool A and earn a place in today’s play-offs of the Federation Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi.

Rain disrupted the first singles between Suchanan Viratprasert and Marina Erakovic for three hours with the Thai No 2 having taken the first set 7-5 but behind 1-3 in the second. When play resumed the Thai No 2 relied on her experience to beat the junior world No 10 7-5 3-6 9-7 in a marathon battle to give Thailand the first point.

World No 56 Tamarine Tanasugarn then had little trouble handling her 333rd-ranked opponent Eden Marama 6-3 6-3 to propel Thailand to a win over the Kiwis regardless of the doubles match which was postponed to last night.

As the first two singles clashes finished at around 1am yesterday, the doubles, in which Napaporn Tongsalee and Monthinee Tangphong were set to play sisters Eden and Paula Marama, was put off to last night.

Thailand topped Pool A with three successive wins including a

2-1 victory over China and a 3-0 demolition of the Philippines. In the playoff, they will take on the runners-up in Pool B which comprises host India, South Korea and Indonesia.

The outcome for B group was dependent on yesterday’s results. Indonesia remain unbeaten with three wins while India and South Korea have scored two wins and one defeat.

“It’s fantastic that we have reached the playoffs for two consecutive years. We won all the three round-robin matches in the singles rubbers without having to go to a decider in the doubles this year, which is very impressive,” said national team supervisor Phitsanu Atthakornsiripon.

Phitsanu was confident that with Tamarine and Suchanan playing so well, Thailand would have to be favoured to win today’s play-offs.

“We came here with a full team and Tamarine and Suchanan are in top form. Unless we are really unlucky, we should be one of the two teams to earn spots in the World Group Playoffs,” Phitsanu said.

Last year Thailand made it to the playoffs only to lose to Japan 0-3 in Tokyo. Japan was promoted to this year’s elite group and is scheduled to take on Argentina in the first round.

Tamarine and Suchanan are set to play only the singles but will combine as a team for the doubles should either one go down and the rubber is set at 1-1 today.

“We cannot take any risks, so Tammy and Suchanan will have to compete if there is a decisive doubles. Tammy has the experience and Suchanan has improved her volleys. They can be a very strong doubles team,” Phitsanu said.