BANGKOK, Thailand(AP) Australia's gamble on using youngster Brydan Klein in its Davis Cup clash with Thailand failed as he was beaten by the experienced Danai Udomchoke in Friday's singles.
Udomchoke won 6-2, 6-2, 7-5 to even the match at 1-1 after former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt breezed through his match against Kittipong Wachiramanowong, 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.
The 19-year-old Klein, ranked 189th, was selected for singles ahead of Chris Guccione, ranked 127th, but he was comfortably beaten by Danai, leading the Thai team in the ongoing absence of Paradorn Srichaphan.
The match will now hinge on Saturday's doubles, where Guccione and Carsten Ball will take on twins Sonchat and Sanchai Ratiwatana, though Australia may bring in Hewitt given Friday's setback.
The winning nation will advance to a regional playoff against the winner of the Taiwan-India match, with that winner moving on to the World Group playoffs.