Thais line up strong contingents for Davis Cup and Fed Cup encounters next month
>> The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand (LTAT) has made minor changes to the national squads for their Davis Cup and Fed Cup fixtures next month.
Luksika Kumkhum, who reached the third round at the 2018 Australian Open, has retained her place in the Fed Cup team as the country’s top ranked player, but Varatchaya Wongteanchai has pulled out of the squad.
LTAT president Kitsombat Euammongkol said yesterday: “Thailand No.2 Varatchaya will not be available to play as she is pregnant. She will be replaced by Patcharin Cheepcharndej.
“For the doubles matches, we will have to see who is good for the team at the given moment.
“If Luksika can team up with Peangtarn Plipuech or Nicha Lertpitaksinchai, it can help us produce a good result.
“We will be trying to win promotion to Group 2 next year.”
The Fed Cup battles will take place in New Delhi from Feb 7-10.
The men’s team will be competing against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Feb 3 and 4.
Kitsombat added: “Thailand No.1 Witchaya Trongcharoenchaikul will lead our strong line-up for the Davis Cup tie against Sri Lanka.
“We have brought in Palapoom Kowapitakted, but he is not a new player and has played in many tournaments.
“Doubles specialists, twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, are the senior most members of the team and will guide the young players in the competition.
“We should be able to get through the match against Sri Lanka with ease to play against the winners of the game between Indonesia and the Philippines in the second round in April.
“We are hoping to reach the final and make it to Group 1 next year.”
The LTAT has appointed Pol Maj Gen Surachate Hakphan as the manager of both teams.