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Published on October 6, 2007

The loss meant the Thai and her Japanese partner would fly back to Bangkok to prepare for the US$200,000 Bangkok Open, which starts today at the LTAT National Tennis Centre. Venus Williams, who is seeded second behind Jelena Jankovic in the event, is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok tomorrow afternoon.

Meanwhile, five local players launch their challenges in the qualifying competition, which takes place today. SEA Games national player Nudnida Luangnam opens her account against Spain's Arantxa Parra Santonja, while Kanyapat Narattana has the toughest draw as she is to meet seventh-seeded Yuliana Fedak of Ukraine.

Varatchaya Wongteanchai, who like Kanyapat receives a wild card, is drawn to face South African Natalie Gradin. Sophia Mulsap and Nicha Lertpitaksinchai play in an all-Thai encounter to guarantee that at least one local player emerges in round two of qualifying.

Top seed Anne Kremmer of Luxembourg, a former champion in Pattaya, plays Czech Hana Sromova, while second seed Catalina Castano of Colombia takes on Kelly Liggan of Ireland.

The Nation