Fed Cup team needs ranked players
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) should invite more players with better world rankings to the Federation Cup team to help secure its position in the world group qualifying round, the association's spokesman said on Monday.
Indonesia booked a berth in the world group qualifier after a 2-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the final playoff for the group I Asia Oceania zone over the weekend.
"Indonesia must field two players whose world rankings are below 100 and the two others with rankings under 200," tennis observer and Pelti spokesman Benny Mailili told reporters.
"The composition will enable us to stay in the qualifying round although we can't advance to the world group. The most important thing is that we will not be relegated to group I Asia Oceania zone again," he added.
The 2001 Indonesian Fed Cup team consists of veterans Yayuk Basuki and Romana Tedjakusuma, and juniors Wynne Prakusya and Wukirasih Sawondari.
"Since Yayuk can only concentrate on doubles due to her age, Pelti must prepare a younger player to replace Romana in the singles. It is important to have two strong singles players," Benny said.
"Although our doubles pair of Yayuk and Wynne is relatively strong, it would be better if we could secure two points from the singles. We cannot afford to hope that our doubles will always win."
Benny suggested Pelti consider getting Angelique Wijaya to team up with Wynne. Angie, Angelique's nickname, recently won singles and doubles titles at the group 1 Japan Open tennis tournament in Nagoya.
"Angie's achievements are even better than what Wynne achieved during her junior career. Both will form a team with potential," he said.
"With Yayuk in the doubles, I'm sure we can stay in the qualifying round for another two or three years."
Benny said that Pelti would hold its annual meeting to evaluate its programs and activities this weekend.
"During the meeting, Pelti's chapters can evaluate our programs and activities over the past year. They can also bring up ideas and suggestions to improve Pelti's achievements," he said. (nvn)