Air circulation causes RI losses in Davis Cup
JAKARTA (JP): Poor air circulation in the Indoor Philippines Columbian Association stadium affected Indonesia's tennis players so much that they lost their first two matches yesterday against the Philippines on day one of the Asia Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila.
The country's best hope Suwandi, returning to the team after a six-month absence, fought a tough battle before crashing to a 6-7 (8-10), 6-7 (5-7), 3-6 defeat to Robert Angelo in the tie's first singles match.
The 20-year-old Suwandi was stretched to his limit against Angelo. Both players had to be treated for foot cramps. Angelo, 27, suffered cramp before Suwandi did.
The 1993 SEA Games gold medalist Suwandi joined the national squad after he finished second in national selection for the Super Eight.
Suwandi, who joined the Davis Cup team when it lost against China and South Korea last year, had replaced the team's left- hander Sebastian da Costa.
Compatriot Andrian Raturandang, who fought courageously, lost the second singles match to the Philippines' best, Joseph Lizardo, 4-6, 7-5, 5-7, 2-6.
Andrian had a chance to win the match after stealing the second set, even though he threw up during the set.
In the third set, the 20-year-old's physical condition deteriorated. He threw up again, but struggled on regardless.
Referee Ray Kington asked non-playing captain and team manager Atet Wijono if Andrian was able to continue the match in the fourth set.
Andrian finished the match before being sent to hospital.
The National Team Board, which is now in Manila, blamed poor air circulation for the players' fatigue. In its fax, received here last night, the board said Andrian was still in hospital.
The National players, who arrived in Manila 10 days before the tie, apparently could not cope with conditions in the stadium.
This is the seventh meeting between Indonesia and the Philippines. They are tied 3-3 after their six previous meetings.
Fate
Indonesia's fate will be decided in today's match. The national veterans pair of Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo will face a more junior duo of Pio Tolentino and Michael Misa.
If Bonit and Sulistyo win the match, Indonesia has a chance to take revenge on the third and final day, with Suwandi taking on Lizardo and Andrian facing Angelo.
The National Tennis Association's chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja has urged his players to win the tie as an Idul Fitri present for their country.
If Indonesia fails to beat the Philippines, it will face tough countries like South Korea and China in Group I.
Indonesia managed to stay in Group I after its squad of Andrian, Sebastian, Bonit and Sulistyo defeated Chinese Taipei in a do-or-die tie in September.
The country lost to Taipei on the first day but took revenge on the second and third days. The squad expects the same thing to happen in Manila. (yan)