Danai, who emerged as the Kingdom's new tennis hero with a win over Lee Hyung-taik of South Korea in the Games final in December, has been elevated to the main draw of the year's first Grand Slam event following several withdrawals, including Briton Tim Henman and German Nicholas Kiefer.

The 25-year-old has set his sights on causing a stir on the professional circuit this season and what better place to start than Melbourne Park. Last year, he pushed world No 4 David Nalbandian into a decider in the opening round that ended in the Argentine's favour 6-2 6-2 1-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-1.

"I want to have a good run at the Australian Open. I'm lucky to be bumped up into the main draw and now I need to play well,'' said the world No 104, whose best attempt in a Grand Slam event so far was a second round at Wimbledon two years ago.

Danai has played only one match this year, at the Chennai Open, but was overwhelmed in the first round by eventual champion Xavier Malisse of Belgium.

He blamed lack of practice due to appearances in a series of ceremonies back home as the cause of his 2-6 2-6 defeat to the Belgian.

"After the Asian Games, I barely had time to train because of so many events I had to attend. I had only three days to practise before I went to India and I ended up having blisters on my palm,'' added Danai, who left for Melbourne along with Czech coach Jan Storces yesterday, six days before the tournament, to acclimatise to the conditions

"My physical condition is getting better now. I'm injury free,'' he said. A tailor-made draw is what the Thai is looking for. If no seeded player stands in his way in round one, he has a chance to realise his wish by making it to the second round.

Apart from Danai, Paradorn Srichaphan and Tamarine Tanasugarn are the other Thais in the event. Paradorn, despite a nagging wrist injury, is playing in the Sydney International, his final tune-up. He is scheduled to face Czech qualifier Ivo Minar today.

Tamarine, still recovering from an ankle injury, which prompted her to retire during the Asian Games in Doha, is already in Australia to kick off her first tournament in 2007.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation