As expected, Danai Udomchoke, who is streets ahead of his rival Lee Hsin-han, ranked as low as No 771, had little difficulty in subduing him in three straight sets 6-1 6-1 6-2 in just 80 minutes.

"He served well but my returns were on target. So he couldn't do anything. I just kept the balls in play and he missed,'' said Danai.

The loss failed to make much of an impact on Taiwan, who struck back in the second rubber, when world No 321 Chen Ti relied on his experience to beat Weerapat Doakmaiklee 6-7 (1-7) 7-6 (13-11) 1-6 3-6 after three hours and 20 minutes.

After losing the first set, Weerapat, ranked No 866 on the world rankings, got back his confidence and momentum in the second set, where he jumped to a 5-2 lead before suffering hiccups to finish off the game. He let the Taiwanese claw back and force a tie-break which Weerapat narrowly won 7-6 (13-11).

Weerapat proved he was equally adept as Chen in ground strokes rallies but when it came to key moments his mental condition waned and he lost the next two sets

"I played OK at the beginning but I was nervous and a bit down after the second set. This is a big experience. I didn't fight for myself, but I fought for everyone in the team,'' said Weerapat, who was making his Cup debut.

Thailand hold all the aces in the doubles match today, as they field doubles specialists Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, the Asian Games silver medallists, up against Chen Ti and Yi Chu-huan. The match is due at noon Bangkok time.

"We have to be really focused and get the first serves in, because the Taiwanese doubles team return well. But they are not good at the net, so we have to dictate play,'' said Sanchai.