Courtesy : Bangkok Post
TOR CHITTINAND
Published on April 24, 2005

Tamarine's win boosts hopes of eventual victory over Croatia while Suchanan slips to brave defeat in the south

Thailand and Croatia were drawn at 1-1 yesterday after the first day of the Fed Cup World Group II tie on the resort of Phuket.

Thai tennis star Tamarine Tanasugarn put the home side in the lead, defeating Sanda Mamic 7-5, 6-1, but Jelena Kostanic pulled Croatia level overcoming a tough challenge from Suchanan Viratprasert to win 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.

Thailand is playing in the elite top 16 World Group of nations for the first time.

A special court was built for the event on Phuket's Patong Beach, as part of Thailand's effort to show the world that its leading tourist destination has cleaned up since the December tsunami.

Tamarine believes the heat played a big part in her success.

``We were very lucky yesterday because the weather troubled the opponents a lot,'' she said.

``I tried to focus to my game and I am glad to be in Phuket again.''

Tamarine faces Jelena Kostanic today and said was expecting another tough game.

Suchanan was beaten by the Croatian number one yesterday after a valiant performance.

After the match, Col Pisanu Attakornsiripo, the Fed Cup deputy team manager said both players should be congratulated for their outstanding effort.

He believes the difference in experience was the reason for Suchanan's reverse.

However, he said he was confident Thailand could still win the tournament.

The players took to the court in Thailand's hottest month of the year, with temperatures that touched 50 degrees.

Today, there will be three matches which start at 10am. They will be televised live on UBC 35 and channel 11.

TODAYS PROGRAMMES

3rd Singles: Tamarine Tanasugarn v Jelena Kostanic

4th Singles: Suchanan Viratprasert v Sanda Mamic

Doubles: Napaporn Tongsalee and Monthinee Tangpong v Jelena Kostanic and Sanda Mamic.

FIRST DAY RESULTS

1st Singles: Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) beat Sanda Mamic (CRO) 7-5, 6-1

2nd Singles: Jelena Kostanic (CRO) beat Suchanan Viratprasert (THA) 7-5, 4-6, 6-3