Courtesy : The Nation
Lerpong Amsa-ngiam
Published on April 19, 2005

[TENNIS] Hosts Thailand hope for an upset victory over Croatia in the Fed Cup World Group II tie this weekend, after their test of the newly-constructed stadium at Patong Beach yesterday.

Tamarine Tanasugarn, Suchanun Viratprasert, Napaporn Tongsalee and Montinee Tangphong arrived in Phuket yesterday morning and went straight to examine the 4,000-capacity stadium as temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius.

Team supervisor Colonel Phissanu Atthakornsiripho said he was pleasantly surprised by the improved fitness of the two singles players, Tamarine and Suchanan, who have done a great deal of homework for the women's version of the Davis Cup competition.

“They hit the balls for a few hours and showed no signs of exhaustion even though it was extremely hot out there. They must be able to last a long time to stand a chance of beating Croatia,'' said Phissanu, who felt the high humidity in the island would favour the local side.

“It will be difficult for them even to breathe. Admittedly, there are some areas in Croatia which are hot but this is something different. I feel this will be to our advantage,'' added the assistant team manager.

The fans have been the driving force behind the success of the national team and the scorching sun could keep them away from the venue, Phissanu felt.

“I have my doubts whether many people will turn up over the weekend. I'm soaked wet even though I am sitting still,'' said Phissanu, who rated Thailand's chances of winning the tie at 50-50.

“Hopefully we can finish them off in the singles rubbers. If the tie goes to the decisive doubles, it will be to our disadvantage because they have a better doubles combination. So far we haven't finalised who will play the doubles,'' the supervisor said.

Meanwhile, the Croatian team arrived in Phuket yesterday and started their training right after the Thai team without their No 1 player Karolina Sprem, who withdrew due to a viral infection. She was replaced by Matea Mezak. Croatia will rely on No 2 player Jelena Kostanic. Sanda Mamic and Nina Ozegovic make up the team.