Davis Cup team expected to win<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association's chairman
\nSarwono Kusumaatmadja expects the country's Davis Cup team to win
\nits Asia Oceania Group I match against the Philippines next
\nmonth.<\/p>\n
\"The team's mission is to win. There's no such thing as
\nlooking for experience. I want the team to present the victory to
\nthe country as it celebrates Idul Fitri,\" Sarwono told the team
\nyesterday before it took off to Manila.<\/p>\n
Sarwono said that the team has a greater mission than merely
\nwinning the matches.<\/p>\n
\"If they can win the tie, people will support the association
\nto give the sport a better image and to attract more spectators,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
\"But if they lose, they will have to fight in the qualifying
\nround. It will also affect the association's efforts in raising
\nfunds to develop the sport,\" he added.<\/p>\n
The association selected Andrian Raturandang, Suwandi, Bonit
\nWiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo for the match. All the players
\nexcept Suwandi won against China Taipei in Taipei last year. The
\nvictory ensured Indonesia stayed in Group I.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's score against the Philippines is 3-3. The
\nPhilippines won three times in a row, in 1968, 1969 and 1974.
\nIndonesia took revenge with wins in 1986, 1992 and 1993.<\/p>\n
\"The players have prepared very well but I hope they don't
\nunderestimate our opponents because the Philippines team is one
\nof the best in Southeast Asia,\" coach Wailan said.<\/p>\n
Physical coach Paulus Pesurnay said that all the players'
\nconditions are satisfactory compared to their preparation against
\nChina Taipei.<\/p>\n
\"Since December, none of the athletes have skipped a workout
\nor suffered any injuries,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Bonit, the eldest player, said that he has to work harder
\nduring the physical workouts because he is 29 years old.<\/p>\n
\"I have to practice harder because of my age. If in my youth I
\ncould use only 70 percent of my energy, I now have to exploit 100
\npercent of my available energy,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Paulus saluted Bonit because he is the only player who
\nfinished first in four of seven physical tests.<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Tennis National Team Council's chairman Wimar
\nWitoelar said that the team is to play on shale clay courts at
\nthe Plaza Dilao indoor stadium, Paco, Manila, from Feb. 7 to Feb.
\n9.<\/p>\n
Wimar said that the Indonesian Embassy is very enthusiastic
\nabout the team's arrival and is to prepare a welcome dinner for
\nthe players.<\/p>\n
Sarwono also said that the Probosutedjo conglomerate is
\nproviding a tennis camp in Yogyakarta for the association to
\ngroom juniors.<\/p>\n
\"Coach Deddy (Prasetyo) reported to me that the juniors have
\nimproved very fast due to the quiet of the place which enables
\nthem to concentrate more. It's unlike Jakarta which is very
\ncrowded and has many disruptions,\" he said. (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/davis-cup-team-expected-to-win-1447893297",
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