Warming up to 'wet' Pattaya

Tamarine, ranked 105 in the world, faces eighth-seeded Anastasia Rodionova, the 81st ranked Russian, who is known to display varied emotions on court.

Tamarine, who was the runner-up here in 1996, easily moved past the Russian 6-2 6-3 at the venue five years ago.

"She can produce many winners on any given day and get it all wrong on another. I need to stay focused and maintain my level,'' said the Thai No 1 who last week assisted her Fed Cup team to remain in the Zone Asia/Oceania Group I.

Tamarine is joined by two countrywomen - Noppawan Lertcheewakarn and SEA Games silver medallist Nudnida Luangnam - in the main draw.

The 16-year-old, Noppawan, who last year became the first Thai qualifier to make the main draw, is drawn to face world No 83 and ninth seed Tzipora Obziler of Israel, 18 years her senior.

"I will have to play out of my skin because she is in the top 100. I haven't seen her play before but I've heard she is persistent and plays the slice well,'' said the Thai from Chiang Mai.

"I'm more concerned with my game and shouldn't be under pressure,'' said the youngster who just came back from Jakarta where she trained with the Indonesian team.

Nudnida, like Noppawan, has been given a wildcard for the tournament, but unlike her compatriots, has an easier draw.   She faces a qualifier in the first round.

Rain forced the organisers to postpone yesterday' matches to noon today.

World No 21 Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland leads this year's field.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation

Pattaya