The 23-year-old from Lop Buri, who is serving a jail sentence for dealing in drugs, was chosen by the Corrections Department after Nongmai Sor Siriporn, another convicted prisoner, was knocked out by the Japanese in the seventh round last year.If Siriporn beats Kikuchi, the department will hand her a cash incentive and a possible reduction of her jail term.

Siriporn has a record of five wins - including two knockouts - against one loss, while the 31-year-old champion has six wins - including one knockout - against one loss and one draw. Channel 3 will broadcast the bout live from 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Suchanan shines

Seventh-seeded Suchanan Viratprasert recovered from a sluggish start to beat Japan's Junri Namigata to advance to the quarter-finals of the US$50,000 Kangaroo Cup International Ladies Open in Gifu, Japan, yesterday.

Suchanan lost the first set 2-6 but put up a stunning fight to beat the Japanese 7-5 6-4 in the next two sets of the second-round encounter. Suchanan will play unseeded Japanese Erika Takao, a 5-7 6-2 6-4 winner over Sarah Browell of England, for a spot in the semi-final. Monthinee Tangphong went down to American Carly Gullickson 1-6 0-6 and Napaporn Tongsalee lost to Namigata 1-6 1-6.

In Jakarta, Pichittra Thongdach and Thassha Vittayaviroj entered the quarter-finals of the US$10,000 Mitra Kencana Women's Circuit yesterday.

Pichittra, the eight seed, downed Septi Mende of Indonesia in straight sets 6-4 6-2 while third-seeded Thassha ousted Indonesian wildcard Vivien Silvany Tony 6-1 2-6 6-2.

No more pain

It will be business as usual for Asian champion Yaowapa Boorapolchai.

The Thai, who injured her left foot, is set to return to competition at the World University Championships this month. Yaowapa or "Nong View" got injured during the Asian Championships two weeks ago in Bangkok, where she won a gold. She had said then that she would not be able to compete in world meet in Valencia, Spain, from May 16 to 20. Meanwhile, Asian gold medallist Chatchawal Khawlaor lost his passport and is unlikely to make it to Spain as he fears he would not be able to get the visa in time.