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Published on November 9, 2007

The duo, pairing up for the first time in the mixed doubles category, had a practice session yesterday and realised there were some problems to fix if they want to make it to the Hopman Cup final in Perth.

"It was fun to play the mixed doubles alongside Danai. But we still have to adjust to each other," said Tamarine, who is recovering after suffering a twisted right ankle.

"The injury is getting better. I don't feel pain anymore but I have to be careful with my steps,'' said Tamarine, who made history by reaching the 2000 Hopman Cup final along with Paradorn Srichaphan.

With injury sidelining Paradorn since March, Danai had to step in and realised that it was a different ball game playing along with women.

"I don't get used to their speed of the ball as we hit harder in the men's Tour. But it's not a big deal because we will get better as we play more matches together,'' Danai said.

Tamarine is scheduled to play Xie Yenze at 3pm, followed by the clash between Danai and Yu Wang. Danai will hold all the aces having won their two previous matches.

In the preliminary rounds, South Korea beat China 3-0 in Pool A. Ye Ralee beat Yenze Xie 6-2 6-1 in the women's singles before Kyu Taeim doubled the lead with a 3-6 6-4 6-3 win over Yu Wang. In Pool B, Japan got off to a great start by winning the singles rubbers over Uzbekistan. Ayumi Morita cruised past Iroda Tulyaganova 6-2 6-3 before Kei Nishikori had the better of Farrukh Dustov 4-6 6-3 7-5.

Lerpong Amsa-ngiam

 The Nation

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