Benny to lead Jakarta in National Games

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's former Davis Cup team member Benny Wijaya will lead Jakarta in the upcoming 14th National Games here this September.

"The Jakarta team will be stronger with his existence," coach Yustedjo Tarik said after officially announcing the provincial tennis team lineup on Saturday.

Benny, currently carrying out a two-year deal with the Jeushun Tennis Foundation in Taiwan, is expected to win the men's singles gold medal in the National Games. He seized the crown in the last Games three years ago for East Java.

The 24-year-old player will also team up with Davis Cupper Eddy Kusdaryanto in the doubles.

Benny's appearance in the National Games may ignite controversy as he refused to play in the Davis Cup matches against South Korea and China last February.

Benny said that he still is not ready to rejoin the national team.

"It's not the right time for me to don the national colors in Davis Cup for the time being. Maybe next year," he said, adding that his club will not allow him to take part in the Davis Cup match.

Yustedjo said that Benny agreed to return to the Games to prove his number one billing in Indonesia.

He dismissed accusations that Benny "lacks nationalism" for refusing a place in the Davis Cup. "He went to Taiwan to play and make a living," he was quoted by Antara as saying. (yan)