The world No 2, who ousted Roger Federer in four sets for his second championship at Roland Garros this year, will play a special match on December 31 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

World No 1 Federer was invited to play Nadal, but is committed to play in Dubai at the time. Nalbandian, the 2005 ATP Masters Cup champion, was then chosen to replace him. According to officials, Nadal's appearance fee was expected to be more than US$300,000. Nalbandian's fee was lower.

Boonsak wins

Led by Boonsak Ponsana, Thailand's national team players ruled the inaugural Bt1,000,000 Thailand Masters Professional Badminton Championships, which finished yesterday. In the men's final at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium, Boonsak tamed Poompat Sapkulchananart 21-16 21-9 to take the title.

In the men's doubles, Sudket Prapakamol and Pattapol Ngernsrisuk crushed Songpol Anukrittayawan and Nattapol Nakthong 21-16 21-14. Soratja Chansrisukot stunned Boonsak's sister, Salakjit, with a come-from-behind 6-21 21-16 21-16 victory to win the women's singles.

Saralee Thungthongkam and Sathinee Chankrachangwong won the doubles title after defeating younger players Duang-anong Aroonkesorn and Kunchala Vorawichitchaikul 21-11 21-17.

Sunij first

Sunij Srisansuchart won his maiden Toyota Soluna Vios One Make Race yesterday in round four of the series at Khon Kaen University. Sunij, who started fifth on the grid, had a good chance to outpace his rivals when last stage winner and leader, professional golfer Simon Yates, crashed on the seventh lap.

Pete Leabcharounrungchai finished second, while the third place went to Momcaho Navaphan Yukol. Kingsley Wijayasingha from The Nation team had to be content with eighth place. After 29 laps in the Toyota Yaris class, Kittipong Kittipongpattana came out the winner. Second was Noppadol Prakobpol and Manat Kulapalanont was third.