Indonesia has slim hopes for staying in Davis Cup Group I

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Davis Cup team would have a slim chance to stay in Group I when it faces host South Korea in Seoul this weekend, tennis observer Benny Mailili told reporters on Tuesday.

"There is a wide gap between Indonesian and Korean players. It is very obvious in their world rankings, which also reflects the strength of both countries players. Suwandi's rank is 287 while Andrian Raturandang's rank is between 800 and 900," he said.

"On the other hand, the South Koreans singles have relatively equal strength. Lee Hyun-taek is ranked under 100 meanwhile Hyun Yong-il is ranked in the 250s."

The Davis Cup team will meet in the first playoff match from April 6 to April 8 in the Group I Asia Oceania.

Indonesia will field old hands Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo in the doubles.

Benny pointed out non-technical problems for Indonesia to book a win over the Koreans.

"The weather in Seoul is quite cold, about 20 Celsius degrees, which is too cold for our players. There is a possibility that we will play in an indoor court. The problem is it will have a fast- surface court, a favorite of the Koreans."

"We have never won against Korea on a fast court. Our players prefer to play on the slower clay court."

Benny also judged South Korea as a better opponent than Uzbekistan who defeated Indonesia 3-2.

"Indonesia will play a second play off against the loser of a match between China and Thailand if we lose to South Korea. Both China and Thailand are also superb opponents." he said.

"Losing to either China or Thailand will relegate us to the second group next year."

In contrast, Benny said Indonesia's Fed Cup team had a better chance to remain in the Group I Asia Oceania zone in the match taking place from April 9 to April 15 in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei.

The round-robin match will also feature China, India, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, newly promoted Uzbekistan and Pacific Oceania and host Taipei.

"I believe China and Indonesia will not be in the same pool which will enhance our chance to get into the group's grand final," said Benny.

"It will be 51-49 for China to go to the world group qualification because its players have a relatively similar rank."

"However, we must be careful with host players as well as those from South Korea, Thailand, and Uzbekistan."

Indonesia will field veterans Yayuk Basuki and Romana Tedjakusuma and second layers Wynne Prakusya and Wukirasih Sawondari.

"Even though it is quite difficult to top the group, we will be safe in it if we can top the group. It will be more than enough" Benny said. (nvn)