• 
• 

Published on December 3, 2007

The world No 155 took less than an hour to subdue the Japanese opponent who seemed fatigued following two tough encounters against second seed Im Kyu-tae of South Korea and Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan over the past two days. The Thai prevailed 6-2 6-1.

"I started pretty well with a double break which gave me confidence. If I start well, I always play great and fell confident to take risks,'' said Danai, who conceded he was physically in better shape than his

opponent.

"Normally he is fast and returns every ball. He had two tough matches which gave me the advantage,'' said the 26-year-old Thai who won all his matches at the LTAT National Tennis Development Centre.

Danai won the top prize money of US$30,000 and claimed the honourable trophy of His Majesty the King. Motomura took home $20,000.

"When he plays well, it is tough to beat him. I was also tired from the last two matches,'' said the Japanese veteran who turns 34 on December 25.

The strong performance ahead of the SEA Games will serve the Thai well as he aims to clinch his third singles gold at the Games, following on his 2001 and 2003 successes.

"This will give me confidence going into the SEA Games. I hope to win two gold -- in the singles and team events. But it depends on the draw as well,'' said Danai, who narrowly lost the 2005 final in Manila to Filipino Cecil Mamitt.

"Mamitt will be the toughest opponent in the men's singles and Indonesia among the teams. It will be easier if I don't have to play him in the semis,'' added Danai who is committed to playing a one-day event in Tokyo before joining his team in Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday.

Danai gained a double break to hold a 4-0 lead as Motomura, normally a very solid counter-puncher, committed uncharacteristic errors. Motomura finally settled down and held his serve but it was too late. Danai landed the first set in less than 30 minutes.

Good court coverage and sharp ground strokes gave Danai the edge in the second set. Danai broke twice to lead 4-1. The match ended with Motomura, who found the net early and often, delivering a backhand that clipped the net and bounced wide giving the Thai the title.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

Nonthaburi