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)