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Published on November 28, 2007

With four top-ranked Asian players, including world No 51 Lee Hyung-taik of South Korea, not figuring in the eight-man field, Danai, ranked 155th, is the top seed. He  is in the Yellow Group alongside third seed and world No 226 Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, Mohammed Ghareeb of Kuwait and Vivek Shokeen of India.

Weerapat, entering the event on the quota for hosts, has been placed in the Red Group, shared by world No 224 and second seed Im Kyu-tae of South Korea, fourth seed Gouichi Motomura of Japan and Ashutosh Singh of India.

In the round-robin format,  two players from each pool will move into the play-offs on Saturday. The champion will get $30,000 and His Majesty the King's honourable trophy.

Danai has remained unbeaten at the LTAT venue, a streak dating back to the Universiade in August when he claimed the gold. But following his dismal form, he cannot find a better opportunity than competing on home soil to boost his confidence.

"I've never lost to anyone on this court, so I need to get my confidence back before the SEA Games," Danai said. He faces Kuwaiti Ghareeb today whom he beat last week in Kuala Lumpur. "He plays an aggressive game, serving big and hitting hard," Danai said.

Weerapat, another SEA Games representative, will face Motomura and is prepared for a tricky outing. "I can stay with him trading shots but he will have the advantage of experience," said the 20-year-old from Chon Buri.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation