Danai - who will be Thailand's lone representative in the men's singles at the All England Club this year with countryman Paradorn Srichaphan on the sidelines due to a wrist injury - was drawn to meet Argentine Carlos Berlocq, ranked 94 in the world.

Considering that Argentine players are more at ease on clay courts, it is a good chance for Danai, No 115 in the world, to repeat his best feat on the grass courts of the Grand Slam event, where he progressed to the second round two years ago.

A 6-2 6-4 win over Berlocq back in 2003 in the Compos Do Jordao Challenger should boost Danai's confidence. If he moves past the Argentine, he will have a possible date with third-seeded Andy Roddick of the United States in round two.

While Danai is touted to have an easy ride, Tamarine has run into a barn door, so to say, in her 12th appearance at Wimbledon, which is her favourite Grand Slam. Facing her in the first round match will be world No 16 Shahar Peer of Israel, one of the young prodigies on the women's tour.

Although the Thai veteran was a winner in their only match, played in Hyderabad in 2004, there is no guarantee that history will be repeated. Over the past three years, Peer has grown into a fierce fighter on court. Her portfolio features fourth-round berths at Roland Garros and the US Open last year plus a quarter-final place in the Australian Open this January.

But Tamarine cannot be written off when she swings her racquet at Wimbledon. Her flat ground-strokes suit this fast surface and that explains why she was a six-time fourth-round finisher in this prestigious event.

Thai fans might have something more to shout about if twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana get a lucky-losers card into the men's doubles main draw. On Thursday night the pair lost the final qualifying match to Serbian Ilia Bozoljac and Belgian Dick Norman 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 6-4. Last year they were stopped at this same stage but were promoted to the main draw after some players withdrew.

Meanwhile, Roger Federer begins his bid for a fifth straight Wimbledon title as he opens against Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili.

Second seed Rafael Nadal, last year's finalist who beat the Swiss in a second consecutive French Open final not quite a fortnight ago, must reel in American Mardy Fish in his first-round grass opener at the All England club.

Fish, while not a standout threat, can play on the surface, as witnessed by a Nottingham final several seasons ago.

Showcase stars will be playing in the "elements" with the iconic centre court undergoing the installation of a moveable roof, a project expected to be completed in 2009.

But in contrast to last year's edition, the overhang from the previous iteration of the court has now been removed, leaving the entire court facing what officials hope will be blue skies when the event starts on Monday.

American Andy Roddick, the third-seeded winner of last week's Queen's tune-up tournament, faces compatriot Justin Gimelstob, who is returning after back surgery.

Britain's eighth seed Andy Murray looks prepared to test his injured right wrist in his first match in two months, facing a first-round challenge against Ecuadorian Nicolas Lapentti.

Former British No 1 Tim Henman plays 1998 French Open champion Carlos Moya.

Women's holder Amelie Mauresmo begins with American Jamea Jackson, while top seeded Justine Henin, last year's losing finalist to Mauresmo, takes on Argentine Jorgelina Cravero.

Maria Sharapova, who won as a teenager in 2004, starts with Taiwan's Chan Yung-Jan.

Serena Williams, twice a champion, comes to Britain with no grass play, starting with Lourdes Dominguez-Lino of Spain. Serb third seed Jelena Jankovic, who won the Birmingham grass trophy last week, faces British wild card Anne Keothavong.

Henin to meet Mauresmo

Nadia Petrova fell victim to a strained pectoral muscle yesterday, her mid-match pullout setting up a final between Justine Henin and Amelie Mauresmo at the Eastbourne Championships.

The Russian third seed couldn't go on after losing her opening set 6-4 to Mauresmo. Henin  beat Marion Bartoli 6-1 6-3.