Thailand takes 2-0 lead over Indonesia

Thailand takes 2-0 lead over Indonesia

Associated Press, Bangkok, Thailand

Hosts Thailand established a solid 2-0 lead over Indonesia Friday on the first day of the Asia-Oceania Group One Davis Cup third round playoffs at Bangkok University's Rangsit Campus.

World No. 56 Paradorn Srichaphan outclassed 18-year-old visitor Sunu Wahyu Trijati 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in 1 hour, 35 minutes, before his countryman Danai Udomchoke took the second singles match with an easy win over Indonesian No. 1 Prima Simpatiaji 6- 2, 6-3, 6-4 in 1:34.

Thailand, thanks to Paradorn's attendance, is heavily favored to win the series, and can seal the victory with a win in Saturday's doubles match.

The winning country will remain in Group One for next year with the losers relegated to Group Two.

Paradorn said his victory was comfortable, since his opponent was "still a junior player and has less experience."

"But I had to adjust to his speed of the balls, which I wasn't used to," he added.

Thai captain Chanachai Srichaphan said the 2-0 lead wasn't a shock as his players were much stronger than their opponents.

"Our situation is better and the pressure is less now," he said. "However, it all depends on the doubles, in which I expect a tough match from Indonesia. They have highly experienced players, but in the end, our team should get through the match."

Thai twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana face Suwandi and Bonit Wiryawan in Saturday's doubles contest.