I wouldn't worry about using the choke, the newer Saitos don't even have one any more. You might try using an electric starter for a while, so you can really spin the engine rapidly. The carb may be gummed up from sitting a while, how long has it been since it was regularly run? Keep the throttle open about 1/3, with the screw out about 2 turns, make sure you're getting exhaust pressure into the tank, and make sure the crankcase breather is clear (the small nipple on the back plate-- run a few inches of fuel tubing from it to a point beneath the plane so it can dump the oil that will come out as it runs.

While you're spinning the engine with the starter, have someone hold their finger over the exhaust. You should get fuel spraying out of the carb after a few seconds. Also check the glow plug, since the engine did fire, it's probably okay, but you might want to put a new one in just in case. I recommend the OS "F" plug.

If the engine turned without seeming to have compression, it may be that the ring is stuck, or just a dry cylinder. Once the fuel coats the cylinder, it will seal around the ring better and compression will improve. I've noticed this in my engines if they sit for a while, but a few turns and they're fine.