Thailand No.1 Luksika Kumkhum is hoping that her attacking game would help her get past 2019 Australian Open doubles champion Zhang Shuai of China in their US$250,000 Thailand Open first round encounter in Hua Hin.
While world No.67 Luksika struck a confident note as she prepared for her clash with the fifth-seeded Chinese, ranked 25 places above her, in the WTA-sanctioned tournament, the Thai star said she would have to limit her unforced errors in the opener at True Arena Hua Hin.
"It is a tough draw for me as not many players would want to face Zhang in the first round," said Luksika.
"She must be in a very confident frame of mind after winning the Australian Open [doubles event] with Australia's Samantha Stosur. She is equally good in attacking and defending.
"I'll have to focus on my own performance and play attacking game, but I must not make a lot of unforced errors.
"I hope to make it through the first round. Although it will be a tough match, I'll try my best."
Meanwhile former world No.1 and top seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain also trained at the tournament venue on Sunday in preparation for her first round battle with former world No.12 Sabine Lisicki of Germany, whose ranking has plummeted to 197.
Muguruza, winner of two Grand Slam titles, said: "I have never played Sabine before but I am looking forward to it. I am very excited to take part in this tournament. I have come prepared and hope to perform at my best."
In Sunday's singles qualifiers, world No.125, Jennifer Brady of the US beat Kurumi Nara from Japan 6-1, 6-2, Perrin Conny of Switzerland beat India's Ankita Raina 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 and Priscilla Hon of Australia defeated Ayanon Shimizu 6-2, 6-3.
A total of 32 players will be taking part in the singles event and 16 pairs will be competing for the doubles top honours. Matches will be televised live by True Tennis HD and TrueSport HD channels.
