Thailand has surged into prominence in the sport at the regional level thanks largely to veteran Arun, whose brilliance was reflected in his remarkable achievements in the SEA Games.

Although Arun, who opted not to take part in the SEA Games in the Philippines last year due to the exclusion of his favourite mistral lightweight division, was always a runaway winner in the regional event, it will be a different story at the Asiad. The experienced surfer has to pit his expertise against opponents from powerhouse countries such as China and Hong Kong.

If the 36-year-old Arun, who has claimed medals of different colour in the past three editions of the quadrennial tournament, hopes for a fitting finale to his glittering career, he will have to show every ounce of his class in what should be his last major international event.

Having prepared Thai surfers at Jomtien beach in Pattaya, for almost nine months, Dechophol Poanukoonnont, the assistant trainer, fancies Arun would ride the crest of a wave in Qatar's coastal capital and grab the gold medal.

"Despite his age, he still is our best bet in Doha," said Dechophol, whose coaching career began at the Bangkok Asian Games eight years ago when Arun won gold in the men's Mistral One Design lightweight category.

"Although in windsurfing the younger players seem to hold the advantage with greater strength and stamina, I believe Arun could outwit youngsters with his massive experience.

"As the weather plays a major part in deciding the results in the sport, I'm hoping that history will not repeat itself this time. In the previous edition in South Korea, Arun nearly retained his title only for the wind to ruin his chances on the last day. He had to settled for the second place," Dechophol said.

Dechophol was convinced the result in the recent Hong Kong Open where Arun finished third was a welcome boost to his confidence.

"Judging from his performance in the Hong Kong Open last month, it makes me more confident than ever that Arun has a bright chance in Qatar. You may ask why. Because in the tournament Arun could have won had not the Hong Kong's surfers used cheap tactics to block him. "However, such incidents will not happen in the Asian Games as there will be only one competitor from each country. It will come down to the ability of each surfer if they are to be successful in the event."

Dechophol felt that luck seems to be on Arun's side as Hong Kong, who he said are one of the main contenders, are fielding Chan King Yin instead of their best bet Cheng Khok Fai, It means that the Thai surfer stands an even better chance to win the top honours.

"I followed Cheng's performance in the Hong Kong Open where he won the top honours. I rate him as a formidable opponent for Arun as he is good both physically and technically.

"Fortunately, I just learned that Cheng will not take part in the Asian Games because he lost to Chan in Hong Kong's selection contest which was held in Doha in March. So, Arun's chances look brighter.

"I think Arun looks better in the duel with Chan despite being older. Besides, when I inspected the course in Doha in March I thought it would suit an experienced surfer like Arun as it consists of many different depths. Moreover, I have studied Chan's form and found that he was not good at controlling his craft under strong winds. That might put him at a disadvantage if the wind during the Games is as strong as in March."

Thailand's windsurfing squad of three, including Philippines SEA Games gold medallist Phanuthat Ruamsap and Napalai Thansai, is due to leave for Qatar on November 25 in order to acclimatise to the conditions in Doha before the windsurf competition commences on December 5.