Indonesia announces Davis, Fed Cup teams

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association yesterday announced which players would compete in the Davis Cup tie against Japan next week.

Association chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday that Sulistyo Wibowo, Andrian Raturandang and Suhendar Dinata would represent the country in the qualifier in Sapporo, Japan, from Feb. 13 to Feb. 15. They will be accompanied by nonplaying team captain Sulistyono Sukamat.

"Bonit (Wiryawan), who usually partners Sulistyo in the doubles, could not join the squad because he's still suffering from typhoid," he said.

Sarwono named Wynne Prakusya, Wukirasih Sawondari and Eny Sulistyowati for the Fed Cup team to compete in the Asia Oceania qualifying group I in Bangkok from Feb. 16 to Feb. 22.

Wynne who became the first Indonesian to reach a grand slam final in the junior division, was given a bigger role in the Fed Cup.

One of the three players will play in the singles and the doubles.

Sarwono said the three players would have to work hard to adapt to the winter conditions in Sapporo.

"If we look at their technical skills, the Japanese players are no stronger than the Indonesians. But they will be playing in front of their own public in winter. Our players must prepare themselves mentally and physically to fight the chilly conditions," he said.

On Japan's team are Goichi Motomura, Takao Suzuki, Hideki Kaneko, Satoshi Iwabuchi and non-playing captain Jun Kamiwazumi.

Indonesian coach Deddy Prasetyo will accompany the players as team manager during the Fed Cup qualifying ties.

"The young trio has improved greatly and I am just giving them the target of staying in the group," he said.

The winner of the qualifying round, in which eight countries will compete, will go through to the World group.

"It's hard for the young players to be the winners without Yayuk Basuki (world ranked 20). They will have to fight against the Chinese and the Thais. I guess Tamarine (Tanasugarn) of Thailand will be out for revenge as she lost to our players in the 19th SEA Games last year, especially as she will be playing at home now."

Senior Irawati Moerid Iskandar did not join the squad as she did not improve enough.

"Irawati had said that she wanted to compete in the SEA Games. She also realizes that she has already reached her peak," Sarwono said.

Physics

Deddy said the male and female players have improved their fitness by training in high-altitude town of Ambarawa, Central Java, about 35 kilometers south of Semarang.

Sarwono said he was looking for foster parents for two young talented players, Wukirasih and Febi Widhiyanto, so they could compete in national and international events.

"They don't have rich parents, sponsors or clubs. I have already met some people who want to finance them. I also want to publish the names of these people, with their permission, to encourage more rich people to help our talented players," he said.

Sarwono complained that the association was being forced to cancel some tournaments due to sponsorship difficulties.

"They had agreed to sponsor the tournaments but due to the economic turmoil many companies have withdrawn from the tours," he said.

Some Governor's cup tournaments and the Danamon Indonesian Open women's tournament are among the canceled events. (yan)