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Published on January 1, 2008

The country's top men's player, after strutting his stuff last year on the ATP circuit, will switch back to the less competitive Challenger events in hope to rescue his ranking which has slipped to 154 in the world.

Danai participated in 16 ATP events last year and never got beyond the second round. He later sustained a foot injury, which resulted in his ranking slipping further after being in the top 80 in January.

"Last year, I played the ATP events and lost in early rounds. This year, I will play more Challengers and will pick up more points to get back to the top 100. But it won't be easy,'' said Danai, who will kick off 2008 with the Australian Open, where he will play the qualifiers.

It was in Melbourne that Danai enjoyed his best result by shocking former world No 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain to reach the third round, his best result in a Grand Slam tournament.

"I don't expect much this year because I have to play the qualifying round and by the time I make it to the main draw, I'd probably be tired,'' said the SEA Games men's team gold medallist.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation