Indonesia set to beat South Korea
Indonesia set to beat South Korea
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is set to overcome South Korea's
daunting challenge in their Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group One
second round duel here scheduled for May 6-8.
"History shows us that South Korea never beats us on our home
turf," coach Wailan Walalangi said yesterday. He argued that the
Indonesian side will enjoy the most advantage of playing in front
of their home crowds, while the South Koreans will have to
swiftly adapt to Jakarta's tropical climate.
Indonesia edged out South Korea twice in 1982 and 1988 to
enter the elite World Group comprising the world's top 16 tennis
playing nations. Indonesia's run, however, ended at the hands of
Sweden and Germany respectively.
The three-day tie will be played at the Senayan tennis court,
the graveyard for the South Koreans in their away matches several
years ago. Indonesia, led by Benny Wijaya, last suffered a 5-0
blanking by its arch rival in Seoul last year.
Wailan said Indonesia is banking on Benny, Suwandi, Bonit
Wiryawan and Donny Susetyo in the renewed rivalry against their
old foes. South Korea will parade the players who took part in
the 5-0 rout over Indonesia last year. South Korea's team of four
will made up of singles players Chang Eui-jong and You Yong-il
and a solid partnership of Shin Han-cheol and Kim Chi-hwan.
"We have wiped out the upset defeat from our memory," Wailan
said. Benny had beaten You twice before they met in last year's
Davis Cup matches. Bonit, teaming up with Suharyadi, elbowed out
Kim and Shan in the first round of the Barcelona Olympics tennis
competition, before going down to the Croatian duo of Goran
"Bobo" Ivanisevic and Goran Prpic.
The national team will gather for a 10-day workout prior to
the men's tennis team championship qualifier, starting Monday.
All the players, who are currently in several tournaments abroad,
are expected to arrive here at the week-end.
Benny and teammates took a 3-0 lead over minnow Hong Kong on
their way to wrapping up a 3-2 away win last month. Indonesia,
led by Atet Wiyono, last whitewashed Hong Kong 5-0 in their Davis
Cup qualifying round in 1973.
If Indonesia manages to continue its home unbeaten run against
South Korea, it will meet either Japan or Chinese Taipei for a
place in the World Group.
There will be 3,000 tickets available for Rp 10,000 (US$4.68)
each. No daily tickets are available.
Meanwhile, Pelti has named national second string players
Mimma Chernovita and Natalia Soetrisno as the wildcard entrants
of next week's Indonesia Open women's tennis championships.
Mimma and Natalia will join third seed Yayuk Basuki and
seventh seed player Romana Tedjakusuma in the main draw with 32
players vying for the top cash prize of $18,000. (amd)