London, June 17: A red shirt has helped Paradorn srichaphan to take the tennis world by storm over the past year but unfortunately for the Thai his lucky charm will not make an appearance at Wimbledon. When Paradorn walked through the gates of the All England Club 12 months ago, he was an unheralded journeyman ranked 67th in the world and trying to make his mark on the circuit. With a sensational second-round triumph over Andre Agassi at the grasscourt grand slam last June, Paradorn announced his arrival on the tour. Since that eventful summer evening, Paradorn has not only rocketed up the rankings but has also captured the public imagination with his superstition of pulling on a red shirt when attempting to close out a match.
''Red is a lucky colour for me and when I put the red shirt on it means I'm going to finish the match'', Paradorn Said.

''I only wear it when I feel a victory is coming and I wash it myself after each game''.

Regrettably for the softspoken Thai, Wimbledon's strict all-white dress rule means his favourite red shirt will not get an airing at the tournament next week.

''I can't wear it there, it's okay. They have a rule about the dress, maybe I'll put on a red wristband instead'', Paradorn said with a rueful smile.

Without a big scalp to his name before the Agassi clash, Paradorn was not expected to challenge the 1992 Wimbledon champion at last year's event.

However, on a day which had already witnessed the shock departures of seven-times champion Pete Sampras and second seed Marat Safin, Paradorn was determined to add Agassi's name to the casualty list.

Bureau Report