Coaches upbeat over Davis Cup tie

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is optimistic of beating a tough Philippines team in the Asia Oceania Group I Davis Cup first round match in Manila, next month.

Wimar Witoelar, an Indonesian Tennis Association official named Andrian Raturandang, Suwandi, Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo yesterday as the team members.

Atet Wijono, nonplaying captain and team manager, and coach Wailan Walalangi both said that the Philippines is the best team among the Southeast Asian countries.

"We have to be aware of their players," Wailan said.

The Philippines is to field senior players Joseph Lizardo and Robert Angelo and juniors Pio Tolentino and Michael Misa for the tie at the clay courts of Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila, from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9.

Atet said the players prepared better for this tie than the do-or-die Davis Cup match against China Taipei in Taipei last September.

"The players have been practicing since December and we'll arrive in Manila 10 days prior to the match for court familiarization," he said.

Wailan said that the coaches and captain found it difficult to decide between Suwandi and Sebastian da Costa. East Timorese Sebastian was a member of the Indonesian team which beat Chinese Taipei.

"Suwandi proved that he is still good after winning the Indonesia Masters championship and finishing runner-up in the national selection tournament last December," he said.

Suwandi, who led the country's team in Davis Cup ties against China and South Korea last year, was blamed for the country's defeats on both occasions.

He is named in the team again after successfully gaining promotion to the country's Super Eight. Suwandi missed the first national team selection last year.

"He has improved his skills and physical and mental condition. I hope he can maintain them," said Wailan.

Wailan indicated that Suwandi and Andrian will play in the singles while Bonit will partner Sulistyo in the doubles.

To reduce the pressure, the association has decided not to field singles players in the doubles events. The doubles players will only concentrate on the doubles competitions.

Wailan predicted that Tolentino will play as the second singles while Lizardo and Angelo will play doubles.

The team is to leave the country on Jan. 30 and will start practicing in Manila the following day. (yan)