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Published on January 30, 2008

Thailand, spearheaded by veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn and 2007 SEA Games singles silver medallist Nudnida Luangnam, have been drawn with Hong Kong, Uzbekistan and second seeds Taiwan.

The tough Group A features top-seeded Australia, studded with stars like Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua, the latter fresh from making the fourth round of the Australian Open, India, led by hard-hitting world No 29 Sania Mirza, New Zealand and Indonesia.

The eight nations will battle it out for a place in the World Group play-offs and to avoid being relegated to the regional zone Group II, which will be played out concurrently.

The Kingdom's squad also consists of Suchanan Viratprasert and Napaporn Tongsalee, who is making a comeback after announcing her retirement last December. Thailand take on Hong Kong in the first match today.

"We are in the easier group. We are stronger than Hong Kong and stand an equal chance with Uzbekistan.

Taiwan hold a slight edge over us but we have players who have extensive experience in the competition,'' said 28-year-old Thai captain Pracharapol Khamsaman.

While Tammy will be the No 1 singles player, while Nudnida and Suchanan could be alternated for the second singles. Napaporn is an option for the doubles only.

"This is the toughest Fed Cup tie I've ever been to as each country has fielded their top players. Despite having home advantage, we are still underdogs. This could be to our advantage as we can fight with nothing to lose,'' said the 108th ranked Tamarine.

Nudnida, No 336 in the world, views Taiwan as the only threat in her pool. "All the top four players of Taiwan are here. Hsieh Su-wei must be high on confidence having reached the fourth round at the Australian Open,'' Nudnida said.

But Australia, despite the absence of the ailing Samantha Stosur, is the heavy favourite to emerge champions on Saturday. The Aussies are propelled by world No 57 Dellacqua and 68th ranked Molik, along with rising star Jessica Moore, runner-up in the junior Australian Open.

"As the top seeds we are confident although we don't have Samantha here. But there's pressure as well because we are expected to win,'' said Australian captain David Taylor.

In Group II, South Korea, the Philippines and Syria are in Pool A while Kazakhstan, Singapore, Turkmenistan and Sri Lanka comprise Pool B. The winner will be promoted to Group I next year.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation