LAHORE, March 2: World ranked and Asia No 1 Paradon Srichapan said that he was ready to play a key role for Thailand in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania tie against Pakistan to be held at the Cosmopolitan Club, in Bagh-i-Jinnah from March 4 to 6.

Paradon who had slipped from nine to 33 in the world rankings said that he was also confident of his country's victory in the important tie. "Yes, the home team has an edge of the grass courts but I have my main objective to give 100percent to guide Thailand to victory," Paradon said.

The 10-member Thailand squad, including four players and six officials, arrived here on Tuesday. "I will go all out to boost the morale of the team as it is an important tie for our country," he said.

Paradon said that the home team had a good player in Aisamul Haq who had gained a lot of international exposure. "But there are plus and minus points of both the teams and the performance on the given day is more important to me," he said but admitted that upsets were the part of the Davis Cup ties and therefore no one could be in a position to predict victory.

Thailand's non-playing captain, Chanalhdi Srichapan, father of Paradon, however, put his team's chances of victory at 60-40. "We lacked experience on grass but I am hopeful my boys will overcome the shortcoming with their experience," he said.

"We could hold only three days practice in Thailand on grass courts and today held another session," he said. Meanwhile, Pakistan non-playing captain Mohammad Khalid emphasised on the physical fitness of the players during the short training camp.

He said that both Aqeel and Aisam were in perfect physical condition and he hoped the players would take full advantage of the home advantage. "Our players have a tough task ahead but they have the ability to beat Thailand," he said.

He said that Shahzad Khan could be picked to play doubles but he had not taken a final decision in this regard. He said that Thailand had the edge due to presence of Paradon but the Pakistani players could meet the challenge with mental toughness.

The draws of the tie will be taken out on Thursday at 10am. The ITF appointed umpire Gary-Au-Yeung of Hong Kong had also arrived with his deputies-Andrew Kornilove and Tarek Mahmood Maher-to conduct the ties.