Chilly condition is a challenge for THai Davis Cup team in Kuwait

Under 13 degree condition or is 20 degree lower than where they come from, the Thai national team has just a few days to get accustomed with the new circumstance which raised concern to team captain Vittaya Samrej, the former national player.

“We went straight to the court right after we arrived on Monday as we need to get used to the weather as fast as we can. We normally train under hot and humid condition which is totally different from here in Kuwait,” said Vittaya who returned to resume the caption position for the first time in several years.

“There are a few other aspects that we have to pay attention to such as the string tension which must be changed under this weather. The ball bounce very low on this surface which is something our players have to adjust to,” added the Thai skipper.

But with three days before the opening rubbers, Vittaya was confident his side would quickly adapt to the surroundings and put up a great fight on Friday.

“The players have been told to have proper training and warm-up in order to avoid injuries. By Friday. The should be in great shape for tough matches,” he said.

Thailand fields its A grade line-up which consists of No 1 and 2 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul and Cup debutant Jirat Navasirisonboon plus the country’s top doubles team of Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana.

The country has won all four ties against the middle eastern team with the latest victory happening in Nunthaburi three years ago.

The host Kuwait will be represented by Abdullah Maqdes, Abdulhamid Mubarak, Adulrahman Alawadhi

And Mohammad Ghareeb, none are inside the top 1,000.

The first team to win the best of five rubbers will move into the second round tie in April to meet the winner between the Philippines and Indonesia.