Andrian, Donny battle for second singles
Andrian, Donny battle for second singles
JAKARTA (JP): Suwandi will undoubtedly be back in the upcoming Davis Cup Asia Oceania playoff match against China, but coach Deddy Prasetyo will have to take more time out before naming the second singles player.
Deddy failed to give even a rough indication of his second singles candidate after watching Andrian Raturandang and Donny Susetyo play their respective simulation matches on Wednesday.
Andrian, Suwandi's back-up in the first-round duel against South Korea last month, beat Sebastian da Costa 7-5, 6-2. Donny was in a tough match against Bonit Wiryawan, with each taking a set before rain washed out the Senayan clay court, the venue for the playoff duel.
"They are of the same standard. Andrian is younger and has more tact, but Donny is more eager to win," Deddy said. Debutant Andrian lost in his two Davis Cup singles matches against South Korea, but he had the home crowd cheering him on throughout.
Suwandi, Andrian, Donny and Eddy Kusdaryanto make up Indonesia's team for the April 5-7 clash. Non-playing captain Wailan Walalangi is expected to announce details of their training program next week.
Deddy said that he would not let Eddy play singles in the crucial duel, although the tiny player is considered to be better than both Andrian and Donny.
"Eddy is our trump card in the doubles rubber. We dare not force him to play both singles and doubles," Deddy said. Eddy played a pivotal role when the Indonesian duo beat their South Korean counterparts. Their win, however, failed to stop the Koreans from sweeping Indonesia 4-1.
China will have its ace singles Pan Bing and Xia Jiaping in next week's match. Pan and Xia last joined the squad which routed the Indonesian Davis Cup team 4-1 in Beijing six years ago.
Pan and Xia also formed a solid partnership to beat Eddy and Donny in the Asia Championships final in Manila last November.
Deddy said that despite the court surface advantage, his players would have to fight tooth and nail to handle China's hard court specialists.
"I'm realistic about the possible outcome of the matches. We have a chance, but China could spring a surprise on us," he said.
The winner of the tie will stay in the Asia Oceania group while the loser will meet either the Philippines or Chinese Taipei in the second playoff in September to decide which team is dropped from the group to a lower classification.
The Chinese team of four is expected to arrive here on Sunday. (amd)