The selection of the country's top junior, who substituted Danai Udomchoke after the latter withdrew from the team due to a knee injury, has caused some controversy. He was picked by the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand over better-ranked players like Kirati Siributwong and Peerakit Siributwong.

The 16-year-old hopes to cause some surprise in the regional qualifying ties to prove that he is the right choice to join the team.

"I'm glad to be selected but I don't feel comfortable that everyone is turning their eyes on me. I want to take this opportunity to show them that I'm a capable player,'' said Kittipong,  who is No 49 in the world junior rankings.

LTAT technical committee member Sombat Eummongkol said Kittipong was the fastest rising player this year. He has won one junior trophy, reached one final and two semi-finals since January.

"We decided to pick Kittipong for technical reasons not because of personal feelings. When Danai was first introduced in the team, it was widely criticised but he has already proved himself. New talent should be given the chance,'' said Sombat.

Kittipong admitted that the tie with the Japanese, who thrashed the Thai team 4-1 two years ago also in Osaka, would be an uphill task. Thailand are in a vulnerable position without their top two stars, including Paradorn Srichaphan, who is nursing his injured wrist. On the other hand, Japan will field their A squad, featuring Go Soeda and Yuichi Sugita, ranked No 223 and 478, respectively.

"I'm excited that I will play against good players and want to test my game against them. I have no pressure and I believe the pressure will swing against the other side because I'm still young and have nothing to lose,'' said the teenager who is ranked outside the top 1,000.

Weerapat Doakmaiklee, world No 851, will be the No 1 singles player with Kittipong playing the other singles. Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana's priority is still the doubles rubber but they might be fielded in the reverse singles if Thailand are still in contention by Saturday.

Thailand trail Japan 5-2 since the two countries first played each other in 1958. The team leaves Bangkok tonight in quest for their first away tie win over the long-time rival.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

The Nation