TOP SEEDS ARE EAGER TO PLAY

The life of the pre-qualified players isn't as easy as it seems. Ok, they do use their time of to practice, relax and spy on their probable opponents. However, the days before their debut in a tournament can be tense

"There are a lot of good players in the qualifying this year, I have to be wise", the Brazilian Thiago Monteiro evaluated, top seed of group 7. Thiago arrived in Sao Paulo last Wednesday, after competing in a number of international tournaments. Until Friday, when he will finally play, Monteiro must follow a schedule that includes, besides practice, physical-therapy and relaxation. The point is not only getting fitter, but keep a routine controls the anxiety. "We see the others playing and it makes us want to play too", he admitted.

Apart from Thiago, the only other Brazilian to be top seed this year is Hugo Hoyama, pre-qualified number 10.