Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan [Images] says he will be fit to defend his Asian Games singles title in Doha next month. The Thai's participation in the Games appeared in doubt when he withdrew from the Paris Masters Series two weeks ago through injury and illness, but he took time off to recover and insists a recurring tendon problem in his wrist is not too serious.
"I know that there is no way to cure it permanently. But it is not a worrying injury," Srichaphan was quoted as saying on the Asian Games Web site.
"It does not hurt me all the time that I can't play tennis."
Paradorn's main rival will be South Korea's Lee Hyung-taik, who he beat to win gold at the Busan Games four years ago.
Lee is currently the Asian number one and is ranked 49th in the world, four places above Paradorn, who reached a career-high ninth three years ago.
Thailand will send seven tennis players to Doha, including Danai Udomchoke and Tamarine Tanasugarn, who are ranked 80th and 75th in the world respectively.
Paradorn has told local media he wanted to avoid injury in Doha and that he might consider pulling out of the team event, even though the Thai men are one of the favourites for the gold.
The Asian Games run from Dec.1-15, with the tennis events getting underway on Dec. 4.
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