Just as the pundits predicted, the Thai youngsters were no match for the "experienced Samurais".

The demolition began when Japanese ace Go Soeda comfortably rolled over 17-year-old Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-1 6-2 6-2 in less than two hours. Long-time Cup representative Takao Suzuki then underlined Japan's supremacy over Thailand by handing another lop-sided defeat to Weerapat Doakmaiklee 6-4 6-2 6-3.

"Kittipong passed the test, considering that he was playing his first Davis Cup. He will become a better player in the future. All he needs to improve is to keep the first serves in more and be more consistent,'' said Thai skipper Thanakorn Srichaphan.

"Weerapat did not play badly, but he was just up against a player who served so many aces,'' the captain added. Kittipong was soon down 0-5 and it took him a while to settle.

"I was so excited in the first set and played better in the second and third. I gave my best out there, and I have to go back to working harder on my footwork and running forehand,'' said the Thai No-1 junior.

Weerapat was kept at bay throughout the match due to the net pressure exerted by the veteran Suzuki, who fired down 18 aces against him.

"I knew he loved to come to the net and tried to pass him. But his serves were too good. There was nothing I could do,'' said the 19-year-old Weerapat, making his second appearance in the Davis Cup.

It's a must-win situation for the Thais in today's doubles in order to keep their hopes alive. Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana are set for a rematch with Suzuki and Satoshi Iwabuchi in the crucial rubber.

"We still have a chance if we can pressure them first. We beat them in the Asian Games and look forward to repeating the result,'' said Sonchat.