Thailand received good news on the eve of their Davis Cup tie against Kuwait yesterday as the visitors are without their top player.
Thailand’s Prachya Isarow, left, shakes hands with Abdulhameed Alshatti.
Abdullah Maqdes has withdrawn from the Asia/Oceania Group II match, which begins today at the National Tennis Centre at Muang Thong Thani, due to an injury.
“We are lucky that Kuwait’s No.1 player can’t play,” Kraipetch Worasombut, secretary-general of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT), said after yesterday’s draw.
“They will become weaker without their top player. But we will not underestimate them.”
In today’s singles matches, Thailand No.1 Prachya Isarow will take on Kuwait No.2 Abdulhameed Alshatti, and Wichaya Trongcharoenchaikul will meet Mohammad Ghareeb.
Prachya said: “I have never played Alshatti before but I think it will not be too difficult for me. I am confident that I will win all my matches.”
Wichaya added: “I am also confident that I will win tomorrow. We are at home and this gives us an advantage.”
LTAT president Suwat Liptapanlop said he had confidence in his young players who defeated Hong Kong in the previous round.
“Thailand have beaten Kuwait three times in a row and we will do it again,” he said.
The winners will reach the Asia/Oceania Group II final with the winners moving up to Group I.