Taiwan Oust Thailand 3-2 for Group I Promotion
Taiwan staged a gutsy fight to win two remaining rubbers and beat host Thailand 3-2 in the Davis Cup Zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I final round tie at the National Tennis Development Centre yesterday.
Trailing the Kingdom’s side 1-2, top seed Taiwan leveled the tie to 2-2 after Pruchya Isarow had to retire during the clash against Yang Tsung-Hua at 6-3 6-4 in the Taiwanese favour due to nagging knee injury. The visitors then sealed off the victory when Lee Kuan-Yi clawed back from a set down to beat Kittipong Wachiramanowong 6-3 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) in three hours and 21 minutes.
Team captain Virat Baerrohim was disappointed that he could not orchestrate his team to a victory after building a surprise 2-1 lead.
“After we saw the line-up of Taiwan we believed that there was a chance to win as they didn’t send the top players here. But the Taiwanese No 2 player is really tough as he is only 20 and is ranked 504th. He served well and barely made errors and he won the crucial rubber,” said Virat in his first time as the national skipper.
“I have to give credits to Kittipong for impressive performance by beating Taiwanese No 1 Yang in the first. He proved that he could raise his game to another level in a great tournament like the Davis Cup. There were only a few points that were close to the line and that changed the momentum.,” added Virat.
Kittipong started the final rubber with formidable form before Yi tightened his defence and came up with incredible returns to go up 2-1 sets. The Thai No 2 fought bravely from 5-6 down in the fourth set to force the tie-break where the 20-year-old Taiwanese took full charge with impressive baseline game.
“I knew it wouldn’t be easy going to the match against such a tough player like Yi. I saw him play since in Hua Hin and knew he was a consistent player. I thought he would be affected by the heat but he was very tough. I already tried by best,” said Kittipong who sustained an ankle injury after the match.
Taiwanese captain Chang Jinn-Yen was in clouds nine that he side fought back to win the tie and gave credits to the fighting spirit of Yi.
“It was very hot out there but my players gave a good fight. I have to praise Yi for his performance under a great pressure like this even it’s his first Davis Cup appearance. This will give a good confidence for his career,” said Chan.
Yi who reached the semi-final in the Men’s Futures in Hua Hin two weeks ago said: “It was very hot out there which made it difficult for me to clear my head. I was so excited but I tried to hang in there and fought.”
Taiwan will return to Group I in two years while Thailand will remain in this group for two straight years.
