06 February 2004	Friday	14 Zilhaj 1424

BANGKOK, Feb 5: Asian tennis sensation Paradorn Srichaphan leads Thailand against unheralded Pakistan in their first-round Davis Cup meeting here beginning on Friday as the hosts seek to avenge a 1998 loss.

Paradorn, the world number 10, will first duel Pakistani number two Nomi Qamar in the opener on Friday followed by Thai Davis Cup veteran Danai Udomchoke who will meet Aqeel Khan.

Thai twins Sonchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana will make their Cup debut in the Saturday doubles before the reverse singles are played out on Sunday.

Thai team coach Chanachai Srichaphan, Paradorn's father, said the kingdom was concerned that unranked underdogs Pakistan had little to lose in the matchup.

"It is a bit of a concern, as we don't know their performances while they know us well," he told press a conference on Thursday.

"As they have no ranking, they will play without pressure. I hope Paradorn can win both of his singles matches," Chanachai added.

Paradorn, the Asian number one, is coming off his best-ever performance at the Australian Open, where he bowed out against American titan Andre Agassi in the fourth round.

Thailand were humbled 2-3 by Pakistan in the Davis Cup the last time they met, in Pakistan on grass, and were seeking to make amends in front of a home crowd.

The winner of this week's first-round tie plays the winner between Uzbekistan and Taiwan in the second round.

Thailand have played in the Davis Cup play-off round twice, losing to Britain 2-3 in Birmingham in 2002 and to the Czech Republic 1-4 at the stadium in Muang Thong Thani last year.

The Czechs, led by the impressive Jiri Novak, overcame a timid Paradorn in September to return the republic to the World Group the following season, then ripped into the officiating, accusing the linesmen of favouring Thailand's local hero. -AFP