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Published on September 2, 2007

But, last week an outdoor area of CentralWorld was turned into an air-conditioned dome where the country's No-1 player, Paradorn Srichaphan, and guests participated in "Tennis in the Dark".

The event promotes the Thailand Open 2007, scheduled for later this month.

Organised by BEC-Tero Entertainment, CentralWorld and the Singha Corporation, participants had the chance to score tickets to the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Tennis in the Dark is a bit different than, well, tennis.

Clearly, it's played in the dark, but on a half-size court. In addition, racquets are smaller and lighter and the balls are softer. And, the players wear luminous kit.

Serving first were Pongpisut Pew-oon and Achita Pramoj na Ayudhaya. They are both regular tennis players but admit the game is "difficult, but fun" without lights.

For the record, Pongpisut won 8-6.

"I play tennis once a month. It is one of my favourite sports. To play in the dark is exciting. I like it," Pongpisut says.

Achita runs a tennis court in the Udomsuk area and says the dimmer version is fun, too. But, the "ambience and equipment are totally different and that makes it bit difficult".

The highlight of the night was between pro Paradorn and Central Pattana executive vice president Dr Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana.

Surprisingly, the ace has never played in the dark, either.

"It is a different idea and fun to play in the dark. We always play tennis outdoors, or with light. Playing with a luminous racket, ball and lines is different and enjoyable. It's always fun to try something new," Paradorn says.

The function wrapped up with a Retrospect mini-concert.

Tanaporn    Tangcharoenmankong

The Nation