Paradon hopes to come back next year

Paradorn hadn't played an ATP match since being forced out of the game by a wrist injury in March 2007. Yesterday, he made his return to tennis alongside compatriot Danai Udomchoke and showed glimpses of his talent before fading away with a 2-6 6-1 10-6 loss to Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Peya of Austria in the first round doubles match of the US$608,500 PTT Thailand Open.

The former world No 9, however, was not disappointed by the result, preferring to apply some positive spin after only resuming practice a few days before the tournament. "I hit the ball well but I have to improve on my fitness. The time out [of ennis] didn't seem that long to me even though I haven't played for two and a half years. I was happy with my game and I'm now focusing on returning to [singles] competition,'' said the 30-year-old, who set January's Chennai Open as his comeback tournament for the singles. Paradorn won in India in 2003, one of his five career titles.

The former Thai No 1 has felt no pain on his wrist lately, which prompted him to enter the Thailand Open just a few days before its start.

However, he cautioned that he would be more selective about his schedule now that he's a married man and running several businesses.

"I can't travel as much as I did in the past. I have a wife [former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova] and a tennis academy, a restaurant and male-medication products to take care of,'' said Paradorn, who has made it to the semi-finals of the Thailand Open twice.

Meanwhile, Danai's Open campaign has come to an end with losses in both the doubles and singles. He was beaten by American Robby Ginepri in the singles on Tuesday. The 28-year-old can now focus on his upcoming marriage to Charinporn Pinidchob.

The couple will receive sacred water from HRH Princess Sirindhorn tomorrow. The wedding is due on November 20.

In yesterday' action, American Kevin Kim beat former Australian Open finalist Rainer Schuettler of Germany |6-4 6-4 and 2006 quarter-finalist Mischa Zverev of Germany beat Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 5-7 6-3 6-3 in the second round.

Muay thai lessons

Gilles Simon of France and John Isner and Robby Ginepri oof the US were yesterday given Thai kick boxing lessons by guru Somjit Jongjohor, the Beijing Olympics gold boxing medallist. The towering Isner, 2.08 metres in height, was clearly impressed by the local martial art.

 "It's awesome. It was fun. I'm interested because it gives you a real workout,'' said the big-serving American.