Benny to lead Jakarta in National Games

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)