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Published on February 29, 2008

He is planning to strike the ball with Danai Udomchoke at the Piyarom Sport Club today.

The Thai star, whose last action was in Miami in March 2007, will test his right wrist after undergoing an operation in the USA at the end of last year.

Paradorn, who married former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova last November, needs at least a month or two to get his body back into shape before returning to the tour.

He will choose nine tournaments to play by using his protected ranking (inside the top 80), which is a special exemption for injured players according to ATP rules.

Paradorn is also hoping to help the Davis Cup team in the away tie against Australia in April. His name was included in the team and he will make the trip to Down Under despite the fact that he might never recover in time to play in it.

Paradorn, who slipped to No 923 in the ATP rankings this week, is also interested in representing Thailand in the Beijing Olympics, but under the condition that he will be awarded a wild card as his ranking is too low.

He reached a career-high ranking of No 9 in 2003 and has won five ATP titles: Long Island in 2002 and 2003,  Stockholm in 2002, Chennai in 2003 and Nottingham in 2004.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation