Heavy rain delays RI-Korea tennis duel

Heavy rain delays RI-Korea tennis duel

JAKARTA (JP): Heavy rain washed out the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania
zone matches between Indonesia and South Korea here yesterday,
prompting a 24-hour delay of the crucial doubles match.

The organizing committee decided not to stage the match when
the rain which had been falling on the capital from Friday night
was still coming down at 2 p.m., while the match had been
scheduled to start at noon.

According to the International Tennis Federation ruling, a
Davis Cup match must be played outdoors in the daylight.

The organizers said that the doubles match would be played
this morning, starting at 10 o'clock. It will be followed by the
reverse singles matches.

South Korea took a commanding 2-0 lead after winning both
singles matches on Friday, and now needs to win the doubles to
clinch the tie. It will be the Koreans' first away win over
Indonesia if their doubles pair beats the host team.

The visitors look to bank on the partnership of Chang Eui-jong
and Lee Hyung-taik to overcome Asian Championship finalists
Suwandi and Eddy Kusdaryanto.

Indonesian coach Deddy Prasetyo said that Indonesia's hopes
relied on Suwandi, whose lackluster play on Friday handed him a
three-set drubbing by Yoon Yong-il.

"We desperately want him to recover after Friday's defeat,"
Deddy said. "If Suwandi reaches his best form, I'm convinced we
will take the match."

Suwandi and Eddy have teamed up for a year, collecting three
titles together in satellite tournaments here last year. The
match today will be their first encounter with the South Koreans.

"The Koreans are fond of attacking games which emphasize power
and speed. Varying the pace looks effective to douse their fire,"
said Deddy.

Rain also delayed the other Asia-Oceania group one match
between Australia and Chinese Taipei at Hobart's Domain Tennis
Center yesterday. The match has been switched to the National
Tennis Center in Melbourne today. (amd)