Indonesia loses 0-3 to Kiwis in Davis Cup tie

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia lost to New Zealand 0-3 in the second day of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group I second round at the Senayan tennis court yesterday.

Bonit Wiryawan/Sulistyo Wibowo, dubbed the best doubles in Asia, failed to overcome New Zealand's Alistair Hunt/James Greenhalgh and lost 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 3-6 in a nearly three-hour match.

New Zealand's nonplaying captain, Jeff Simpson, said he had considered playing Hunt instead of Glenn Wilson.

"Alistair has played several times in Davis Cup ties and he's very experienced. He is the most experienced on our team. I didn't put his name on the original team because I thought it would be impossible for him to play three matches with the heat," he said.

"Wilson/Greenhalgh are also a good team, but in the Davis Cup we need more experienced players," he added.

Barracked by around 400 spectators, Bonit/Sulistyo began the match with a shaky start. They were hardly able to handle big serves from the New Zealanders. They lost easily 3-6 in only 15 minutes.

In the second set, Hunt/Greenhalgh led 3-1 before the Indonesians took one point to trail 3-2. But Bonit/Sulistyo failed to return Greenhalgh's smash, which allowed New Zealand to lead 4-2.

The national duo crawled back and scored 3-4. They also broke Hunt's serve to equalize at 4-4.

But less-experienced Bonit/Sulistyo spoiled their advantage in serving after Sulistyo's forehand hit the net and gave the game to the Kiwis 5-4.

Greenhalgh's winning service gave a 6-4 win to New Zealand.

In the third set, Bonit/Sulistyo fought from behind by giving all they had to lead 4-1. But the New Zealanders trailed 3-4. The Indonesians concluded the set at 6-3 after Greenhalgh failed to return Sulistyo's service.

Local spectators, including the Indonesia Tennis Association, shouted, cheered and clapped for the winning set. "Indonesia ... Indonesia ... yes ..." was shouted around the stadium.

But in the fourth set, Bonit/Sulistyo failed to repeat their previous winning. Hunt/Greenhalgh led 5-2 before the Indonesians took another point at 3-5.

The New Zealanders concluded the match after Greenhalgh's forehand hit the ball to the back of the court. The 22-year-old Greenhalgh raised both hands to celebrate New Zealand's victory.

Qualifying

New Zealand will proceed to the World Group qualifying round.

"Indonesia played well and the match was very exciting, but the power of New Zealand players are ... so much different," said Simpson at a post-match conference.

"They (Bonit/Sulistyo) need to learn to hit the ball harder. But they played well and good in front of the net," said Greenhalgh.

Indonesia's nonplaying captain, Atet Wijono, said even though Bonit/Sulistyo were the best in Asia, they still need more experience to play against the world's top players.

"I rarely compete in international tournaments and I admit I was surprised to see how hard their serves were," said the 29- year-old Bonit.

"We couldn't return their serves, especially in the first set. It's a shock to meet big-serve players because we're only familiar with Asian-type players," said the 28-year-old Sulistyo.

Wimar Witoelar, chairman of the association's National Team Board, said the board will send its members to play in more international tournaments.

"We'll reduce training frequency, but will play more in European and American tours," said Wimar.

Atet said he would field the best players to play all-out today, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Simpson indicated that New Zealand substitutes will play, without mentioning names. (yan)