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Published on September 28, 2007

Local fans were heartbroken last night when their main hope, Danai Udomchoke, was blown away by the big-hitting Benjamin Becker in the second round of the Thailand Open.

The Asian Games gold medallist had no answers to the German's heavy ground-strokes and rocket serves that sailed past him. Becker made it to the quarter-finals in just 69 minutes with a convincing 6-2 6-3 win.

"There was nothing I could do. He served well throughout and did not give me any chance. He must have been very confident after beating [Carlos] Moya in the first round," Danai said after.

The Thai admitted he was under tremendous pressure to perform in the tournament.

"Without Paradorn, everyone expected a lot from me. But I think I have done a pretty good job. It would have been better if I had made it to the quarter-final," said Danai, who insisted his injured wrist has improved and he will enter the Japan Open next week.

Becker had lost 6-1 to Danai in a practice match a few days ago. But when it came to the real match, the German summoned all his energy to whip the Thai, who seemed caught off-guard.

"I was serving well and really focused on the match. I never let him take control, as he is a good baseliner who doesn't give free points," said Becker. The German admitted he tried not to look at the beautiful ball-girls to avoid being distracted.

Becker is now set to face either Russia's Igor Kunitsyn or close friend Dominik Meffert of Germany.

"Kunitsyn is my doubles partner and Meffert is a close friend since my junior days. It's not easy to play against good friends but hopefully I will play well again," the world No 79 said.

The Danai's exit was the last thing local fans wanted. Earlier serve-and-volley star Nicolas Mahut, playing his first ATP since the US Open, unleashed nine aces to knock out fourth seed Tommy Haas of Germany 6-4 6-4. It was further misery for tournament organisers, who have already lost top stars Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick.

Mahut, the world No 71, said: "I was happy about my serves. When my first serves go in, I always play well." He is coming back from month off due to injury.

The only consolation for Thai fans was the presence of Sanchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana. The twins upset fourth seeds Eric Butorac of the US and Todd Perry of Australia 7-5 7-5 in the first round of the doubles.

Sanchai said: "The key was that we maintained our form throughout the match. There were some moments when they returned well but we managed to hit good serves."

He and his elder brother blasted a total of nine aces and 18 winners in the match. They are due to play Czech Petr Pala and Jordan Skoch next in the quarter-finals.

Sonchat said: "I played Skoch in Chennai but that time Paradorn [Srichaphan] was my partner. I know his strong and weak points but it all depends on how we maintain our level of play."

In other singles matches, Russian sixth-seed Dmitry Tursunov, fresh from the Davis Cup semi-final victory over Germany, showed no signs of fatigue as he breezed past Frenchman Michael Llodra 6-4 6-4 in just 61 minutes.

"I felt much better than yesterday. As long as I keep forcing myself to focus, then I will have a good chance at doing well," said Tursunov. He now faces Taiwanese Wang Yeu-tzuoo, who beat qualifier Nick Lindahl of Australia 6-3 6-3.

Eighth seed Fernando Verdasco of Spain took two hours and 44 minutes to beat rising Canadian star Frank Dancevic 3-6 6-3 6-4. Seventh seed Ivo Karlovic of Croatia managed a crucial break in the 12th game of the deciding set to beat the inspired Simon Stadler of Germany 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-4) 7-5.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation

Nonthaburi