Suwandi RI's first singles in Davis Cup<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia made a last-minute change to its
\nlineup for a Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group II match against Qatar
\nin Doha starting Friday, naming Suwandi its first singles choice
\ninstead of Febi Widhiyanto.<\/p>\n
National coach Dedy Prasetyo told The Jakarta Post from Doha
\nthat the team decided on the change because Suwandi had returned
\nto his old form and had pledged to play his best.<\/p>\n
\"Suwandi is more experienced than Febi, having received
\nnumerous caps in the Davis Cup competition, instead of only one,\"
\nDedy said.<\/p>\n
\"Suwandi's victory will give Febi a morale boost to win his
\nown game,\" the coach added.<\/p>\n
The draw on Thursday put Suwandi in the opening match against
\nQatar's number two Nasser Ghamen Al Kholaifi. Febi will meet the
\nhost's top player, Sultan Khalfan.<\/p>\n
Suwandi was out of Davis Cup action last year due to his poor
\nform. He appeared to regain his form last month, winning the
\nnational selection for this week's Davis Cup outing.<\/p>\n
Along with the two singles players, Indonesia brings in the
\ndoubles pairing of Edy Kusdaryanto and Hendri Susilo Pramono. The
\nteam is led by non-playing captain Tintus Arianto Wibowo.<\/p>\n
Mohammad Ali Khalifa Al Saound and Mubarak H At Tobaishi will
\nrepresent Qatar, with non-playing captain Mohammad Salem Al
\nKholaifi.<\/p>\n
Dedy said he was optimistic that his team would emerge the
\nwinners if at least one of the two singles openers was victorious
\non Friday.<\/p>\n
\"We are better than them in the doubles, so if we can steal a
\npoint on Friday we will have a greater chance to win,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Dedy said his players were all in a good mood, despite the
\nfact they have never played the Qataris before.<\/p>\n
\"The general feeling in the team is really good and it helps
\nthe players build strong teamwork,\" he said, adding that he and
\nTintus had especially pumped up Suwandi's self-confidence.<\/p>\n
The Davis Cup matches will be played on a rebound ace court,
\nthe surface Indonesian players have become familiar with during
\ntraining in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
\"They don't have any problems with the court. They are in good
\nshape and they are ready to fight,\" said Dedy.<\/p>\n
Dedy said the main problem was the cold weather.<\/p>\n
\"The temperature here is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius but
\nthe sunshine is very strong. I have told my players not to forget
\ntheir sunblock when they practice,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The matches will start at 2.30 p.m. local time, or 6.30 p.m.
\nWest Indonesia Time.<\/p>\n
\"The host has the right to decide when the match starts. I
\nthink they also want to avoid the hot sun. If we play in the
\nafternoon, maybe the heat will not be as strong as in the
\nmorning,\" he said. (yan)<\/p>",
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