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Thai tennis star begins seven-day monkhood
Associated Press, November 26, 2005
Bangkok, Thailand -- Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan, Asia's top-ranked tennis player, on Saturday swapped his racket for an alms bowl as he started a seven-day period as a Buddhist monk, local newspapers reported.
"I will spend the next seven days as a monk, especially meditating, which is something I can make use of when I return to tennis," Paradorn was quoted saying by The Nation newspaper.
Paradorn has adopted the Buddhist name "Mahaviro" which means "great and brave" for his stint as a monk. In a traditional preordination ceremony on Friday, Paradorn had his head shaved prior to donning the monk's saffron-colored robes. He will serve in a temple outside the Thai capital Bangkok.
It is customary for Thai men to serve in the monkhood for at least one period in their lives as a way of showing their religious devotion.
Paradorn, currently ranked No. 43 in the world, has been struggling on the court recently. He's been in two finals but still hasn't won a title this year.
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