The 16-year-old from Songkhla, the highest-ranked Thai player in the ITF World Junior ranking at No 43, is the pick of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) to replace Danai, who is suffering from a left knee injury.

LTAT technical committee chairman Sombat Uemmongkol said that Kittipong had proved he was the most outstanding player among the rising stars. The teenager lifted a Junior Group III trophy in Calcutta, finished runner-up in the Group II event in New Delhi, and also appeared in Group I in Bangkok.

"I'm so excited to be given this opportunity to play in the Davis Cup. To be frank, I really don't know the Japanese team, but I have no fear and pressure,'' said Kittipong.

Danai, who is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok this afternoon, aggravated his injured left knee during the match against German Simon Greul in the first round of the Masters Series Miami on Thursday. He has been advised by a doctor to take a rest for at least two weeks, prompting him to skip the Davis Cup regional zone qualifying second round tie with Japan in Osaka between April 6 and 8.

Danai's absence caused a double blow for the Kingdom's team as another Davis Cup backbone, Paradorn Srichaphan, had earlier announced his withdrawal due to a right wrist injury. Thailand will have to rely on Weerapat Doakmaiklee, who also replaced Paradorn in February's tie against Taiwan. Twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, the doubles specialists, are the only hopes for Thailand.

"Without Danai and Paradorn, our team becomes very fragile. But all hopes are not gone. Japan will be under great pressure as the host and we will try to exploit that,'' said Sonchat.

Meanwhile in Miami, Tamarine Tanasugarn bowed out in the first round of the Sony Ericsson Open, after going down to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 0-6 4-6 on Friday. In fact, Tamarine had lost in the qualifying round but was promoted to the main draw after another player withdrew.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation