The Nakhon Ratchasima-born player, who lost the final to Uzbek Vlada Se-ekshibarova on Sunday in the second leg final, has a swollen wrist from an injury she picked up two weeks ago.

She said the injury would no doubt affect her performance in the match against compatriot and eighth-seed Pichittra Thongdach in the first round, which is scheduled tomorrow.

"Actually I have been advised to rest but I want to take my chances.

"Pichittra has a serious injury now and I think my condition is better than hers,'' said Nungnudda, who won an

ITF trophy in Nigeria in February.

"I have had this injury for a few weeks but I still reached the final. Who knows, I might win this week with this wrist,'' she added.

Top seed Nudnida Luangnam opens her campaign against Japan's Yuka Kuroda, and second-seed Punam Reddy of India faces Dutchwoman Selma Andrerade.

Filipina third-seed Czarina-Mae Arevalo takes on Indonesian Lavinia Tananta. Last week's champion Se-ekshibarova plays Varatchaya Wongteanchai.

In the final qualifying round yesterday, Varanya Vijuksanaboon and Daowadueng Phonkan were the only local players to book their spots in the main draw.

Meanwhile in Kentucky, top seeds Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana lifted their eighth challenger trophy with a 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 10-6 victory over American John Isner and Colin Purcell in the final of the US$50,000 Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships at the University of Kentucky in the Unites States on Sunday.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation