Published on November 23, 2005

Thai tennis team face a tough time in Philippines. The past two SEA Games tennis competitions have been dominated by the Thai squad, but this year men’s squad veterans Danai Udomchoke and twin brothers Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana face an uphill battle to retain their title. The Thai men’s team, which will be without the retired Varapol Thongkamchoo and Paradorn Srichaphan, have helped the Kingdom dominate the competition since the 18th Games series in Chiang Mai.

But the road to the gold medal will be a little rocky this year in Manila as the hosts have hired the services of two America-born Filipinos, Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino.

Memitt, ranked No 221 in the world, and Taino, ranked 20 places lower, are Filipino and will represent their country for the first time after playing on the Challenger Tour under American nationality.

The two American-Filipinos are the main obstacles to Danai and the men’s team as they chase their third consecutive SEA Games title. The two Filipinos, according to rumours, are being paid US$5,000 (Bt200,000) each to represent the Philippines.

“I can’t say it’s going to be easy like the last two SEA Games as Mamiit and Taino are going to represent the Philippines and the hosts will use every strategy available to gain an advantage,’’ said Danai, ranked No 129 in the world.

“They are good players and have a good record against me. Mamitt is tough from the baseline and Taino can come to the net, but is not consistent,” added Danai, who stands 1-2 in the head-to-head record against Mamiit and 0-1 against Taino.

Danai’s preparations for the SEA Games went downhill after a series of first round exits in five straight tournaments starting at the Thailand Open, Tokyo Open and followed by three Challenger events in Busan, Seoul and Nashville. His mental condition sank to the floor because of his lacklustre form, but a victory last Sunday in Champaign in the US lifted his spirits.

“This title came at just the right time because I had been playing so poor over the past several weeks. Now I’m getting my confidence back again and know how to finish points,” Danai told The Nation.

“But playing for yourself and for your country are two different things. There’s a lot of pressure out there when you wear the Thai colours because everyone places high hopes on you,’’ said the Thai No 2, who might just play in the singles event if he has good results in an on-going $25,000 tournament in London.

The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) set a big goal for the tennis team in Manila, expected five gold medals from the men’s team in singles and doubles and the women’s team in singles.

Apart from Danai, the men’s squad includes twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana and SEA Games debutante Weerapat Dokmaiklee. Apart from the doubles and mixed doubles, Sanchai will represent Thailand as the No 2 singles player.

His elder brother Sonchat will play the doubles and mixed doubles and newcomer Weerapat will play in the men’s team.

The women’s team features defending champion Suchanan Viratprasert, doubles specialist Napaporn Tongsalee and Montinee Tangphong and Thassha Vittayaviroj.

Suchanan, who beat Napaporn in the SEA Games final two years ago, is set for the team and singles event. To avoid exhaustion, Napaporn will skip the singles to focus on the team, doubles and mixed doubles.

Monthinee will play the team, singles and doubles, while Thassha will be responsible for the doubles and mixed doubles.

“Our tough rivals in the men’s side are the Philippines because they have imported two American players. For the women’s side, Indonesia have always been the biggest threat.

“Other than that, we should have no problems moving past them,’’ said LTAT vice-secretary general Phitsanu Attharkorn-siripho, who is also the team’s assistant manager.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

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