Indonesia may go tough against Italy in Fed Cup

By Bruce Emond

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's young squad may be praying for miracles today at Senayan Tennis Stadium when it takes on Italy in the Fed Cup World Group Two qualifying round.

Without Indonesian number one Yayuk Basuki, the teenage lineup of Wukirasih Sawondari and Wynne Prakusya will have an uphill battle against the experienced Silvia Farina and Flora Perfetti.

Yayuk's name was scratched from the team last month after the Indonesian Tennis Association (PELTI) announced that her husband Suharyadi, the Fed Cup squad's non-playing coach, had asked the International Tennis Federation to change the playing surface from clay to Rebound Ace hard court.

PELTI said Suharyadi's request was inappropriate because he failed to consult with the association beforehand.

Suharyadi has been replaced with former player Atet Wiyono.

The association then said it would welcome Yayuk if she wanted to join the team.

But the Yogyakarta native, a quarterfinalist in the Wimbledon women's singles last week and currently ranked 22 in the world, told the association Thursday that she would not be taking part.

Wukir, 16 and ranked 714, opens the tie at 11 a.m. against Italian number one Sylvia Farina, who is ranked 40.

Wynne, also 16 and 651 on the WTA computer, takes on Flora Perfetti, ranked 62 in the second match.

The reverse singles will be played tomorrow at 10 a.m., followed by the doubles.

Lisa Andriyanti, ranked 376, will play only in the doubles.

Atet said the decision not to field Lisa in the singles was made after a meeting between players and team officials.

"We chose Wukir because she is currently playing the best among the players," Atet was quoted by Antara. "Lisa also wants to concentrate on the doubles."

In addition to the Indonesian team's lack of experience, the choice of clay for the tie appears to favor the Italians.

All of them play patient baseline games and grew up on the surface.

"Frankly, the absence of Yayuk favors our team," Italy's non- playing coach Daniela Porzio was quoted as saying yesterday by Kompas. "We don't know the strength of Indonesia's players and nor can we make an accurate prediction on the outcome. But I think our players are of a higher caliber."

The Indonesians were not disheartened going into the match.

"Why should we be nervous in our country? In New Zealand, we were brave enough to fight hard," Wynne said in reference to Indonesia's unbeaten run in the Fed Cup qualifiers in April.

"We may lose, but there will be war on the court first."

The winner of the playoffs will join the elite main group of the annual women's team competition.