Thailand's chances of making fencing history at the 14th Asian Games look exceptionally bright with the presence of Sydney Olympics bronze medallist Wiradech Kothny, according to president of Amateur Fencing Association of Thailand (Afat) Maj General Chaiyasit Shinawat.

The sabre ace, who is currently on a month-long trip competing in the US, Cuba and Iran, has improved his world ranking from 10 to 8.

”Thai fencers performed poorly in the last Asian Games, but this time it will be different because we have Kothny, a Thai-German. Another plus is that the rest of our fencers have also broken into the world rankings,” said Chaiyasit, who is also expecting 21st SEA Games gold medallist Nonthapat Panchan to do well. Asked to relate the process of getting Konthy a Thai passport, the top fencing official said that it took 15 months to conclude the deal. While he chose not to get into the details of the drawn-out process, Chaiyasit said Wiradech' s ranking is reason enough to give Thailand hope for a gold medal at the Busan Games.

To his knowledge most of Wiradech's opponents are ranked in the top 100. The fencing team consists of Kothny, his coach and cousin, Somkid Pongyoo, and veteran Sares Limkangwalmongkol.

Chaiyasit believes that a second gold medal is possible if Kothny gives Thailand a substantial lead. This, Chaiyasit believes, will give both Somkid and Sares confidence to contribute.

”Somkid is Wiradech's training partner, and also a certified coach, so despite not having as much competitive experience as his cousin, Somkid has an excellent chance of contributing to the gold in the team event.”

As for Sares, he has done very well at the SEA Games level, and has given up his job in the mass media for full-time training with the Asian Games squad.

”Nonthapat has been practicing his fencing skills in the US for the past few years and this experience has given us reason to believe that he could pull an upset.”Chaiyasit was also happy to report that female national fencer, 21st SEA Games Epee gold medallist Siritida Choochokkol has broken into the world ranking. She will be the only female fencer representing Thailand. Her top performance this year came in Australia last week where she finished 39th.

Chaiyasit said that Thai fencers have been able to gain competitive experience overseas due to the support of the FIE, world fencing body. FIE's latest financial support was a scholarship for Sares to train and compete in Portugal.

Chaiyasit said that for fencing to grow, it was important to arrange tournaments in Thailand. Afat had already managed to accomplish that by staging an Asian meet last year. There are also meets being held at university level to develop new talent.