Davis Cup team expected to win
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association's chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja expects the country's Davis Cup team to win its Asia Oceania Group I match against the Philippines next month.
"The team's mission is to win. There's no such thing as looking for experience. I want the team to present the victory to the country as it celebrates Idul Fitri," Sarwono told the team yesterday before it took off to Manila.
Sarwono said that the team has a greater mission than merely winning the matches.
"If they can win the tie, people will support the association to give the sport a better image and to attract more spectators," he said.
"But if they lose, they will have to fight in the qualifying round. It will also affect the association's efforts in raising funds to develop the sport," he added.
The association selected Andrian Raturandang, Suwandi, Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo for the match. All the players except Suwandi won against China Taipei in Taipei last year. The victory ensured Indonesia stayed in Group I.
Indonesia's score against the Philippines is 3-3. The Philippines won three times in a row, in 1968, 1969 and 1974. Indonesia took revenge with wins in 1986, 1992 and 1993.
"The players have prepared very well but I hope they don't underestimate our opponents because the Philippines team is one of the best in Southeast Asia," coach Wailan said.
Physical coach Paulus Pesurnay said that all the players' conditions are satisfactory compared to their preparation against China Taipei.
"Since December, none of the athletes have skipped a workout or suffered any injuries," he said.
Bonit, the eldest player, said that he has to work harder during the physical workouts because he is 29 years old.
"I have to practice harder because of my age. If in my youth I could use only 70 percent of my energy, I now have to exploit 100 percent of my available energy," he said.
Paulus saluted Bonit because he is the only player who finished first in four of seven physical tests.
The Indonesian Tennis National Team Council's chairman Wimar Witoelar said that the team is to play on shale clay courts at the Plaza Dilao indoor stadium, Paco, Manila, from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9.
Wimar said that the Indonesian Embassy is very enthusiastic about the team's arrival and is to prepare a welcome dinner for the players.
Sarwono also said that the Probosutedjo conglomerate is providing a tennis camp in Yogyakarta for the association to groom juniors.
"Coach Deddy (Prasetyo) reported to me that the juniors have improved very fast due to the quiet of the place which enables them to concentrate more. It's unlike Jakarta which is very crowded and has many disruptions," he said. (yan)