Three out of the country’s top four which are the 66^th ranked Luksika, 532^nd ranked Patcharin Cheapchandej and 607 ranked Bunyawi Thamchaiwat will be absent from the Cup which is due from

6-9 in Astana, Uzbekistan. The latter (Patcharin and Bunyawi) two withdrew with personal reasons.

Only Thai No 2 Peangtarn Plipuech, No 281 in the world, and second string players Punnin Kovapitukted and Watsachol Sawasdee will be available for the zonal qualifiers. China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Pacific Oceania, South Korea and Thailand are in the zone Asia/Oceania Qualifying Group I tie.

Luksika who is preparing for the Australian Open reasoned that she has to focus on WTA events in the US hardcourt swing including two premier tours in Indian Wells and Miami between February and March.

The disappearances of the ace players will affect the Thai team as a nation finishing bottom of the group 1 will be relegated to group 2 next year. Luksika, however, believes, younger players should be allowed opportunities to represent the country.

“We have several rising stars who are strong enough to play and help the country. I believe they are good enough to secure us in group I,” said Luksika. “As for myself, I will come back to play for Thailand in the future. Now I need to focus on my career as I plan to play bigger tournaments on the WTA this year,” she added.

Luksika, who won two WTA 125k series last year, has more than 200 points to defend in the year’s opening Major where she, as a qualifier, reached the third round 12 months ago. Her best results in a slam came at the Melbourne Park where she also emerged in two second rounds between 2013-14.

“Australian Open has always been my lucky Grand Slam and I hope it to continue that way. To be honest I’m a bit worried about so many points to defend. So at this point, I wish for a good draw and win my first round match,” the Thai No 1 said.