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)