Bonus for Davis Cup players

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association Sarwono Kusumaatmadja promised that he will present the national men's team with cash bonuses after their success in the Asia- Oceania Davis Cup Group third playoff in Taipei last week.

Indonesia's quartet of Andrian Raturandang, Sebastian da Costa, Boniet Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo, all ranked in the country's top eight, managed to overcome a 0-2 deficit from the first day, and come from behind on the second and the third days of the match to win the tie 3-2.

Sarwono, who is also State Minister of Environment, said in a welcoming ceremony Monday that the players only have to give their account numbers and the money would be deposited. However he declined to reveal the size of the bonuses.

He also said that their success in Taipei not only stemmed from their technical skills but also their fighting spirit.

The Davis Cuppers, accompanied by coach Wailan Walalangi, team manager and non-playing captain Atet Wiyono, physical trainer Paulus Pasurney and National Tennis Team Council official Wimar Witoelar, arrived home yesterday afternoon.

Sarwono, however, reminded all the top eight players that they have to prepare themselves for another national selection, scheduled for December.

"You all must prepare yourselves to stay in the team. However it's up to you to whether you take part in the selection or not," he was quoted by the Kompas daily as saying.

In last week's competitions, Andrian and Boniet lost to Chen Chih Jung and Tsai Chia Yen respectively on the first day. But Boniet and Sulistyo's victory over Chen and Lein Yu Hui in the second day doubles raised the team's spirits.

Andrian and Boniet won both the reverse singles to beat China Taipei in front of its home crowd on the third day.

The victory ensures Indonesia remains in Group I. Previously, Indonesia lost to South Korea in February and to China in March. (yan)