Indonesia sets modest target in Fed Cup Asia Oceania Group I

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is setting a realistic target of avoiding relegation at the Fed Cup Asia Oceania Group I tournament in Bangkok next week.

Nonplaying captain Yayuk Basuki admitted on Wednesday that her side was not expected to win the Feb. 22 to Feb. 27 competition due to the toughness of the group which comprises the region's top flights.

"We just hope to stay in the zone for next season. There is a chance of winning, but very slim," said Yayuk, who is making her international debut as a captain.

Wynne Prakusya will lead an Indonesian side dominated by young players for the 10-team tournament. The Indonesian Tennis Association picked Irawati Moerid Iskandar, Frederika Girsang, Dea Sumantri and reserve Liza Andriyani in a recent national selection to fill the lineup.

Indonesia will meet China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, New Zealand, Pacific Oceania, Thailand and Uzbekistan.

They will be divided into two groups on a round-robin format. Group winners will lock their horns for a berth in the World Group qualifying match, while the bottom-placed team in each group will be demoted to the minor division.

The draw will be made on Sunday.

Asian Games singles champion Yayuk said her charges' luck would also depend on the draw.

"Chinese Taipei, China and South Korea will be the strongest contenders in the tournament. We can only match them if we are smart enough in applying our strategy," said Yayuk, who played her last Fed Cup match in 1997.

Indonesia finished sixth in last year's competition which also took place in Bangkok's hardcourt complex.

Coach Suzanna Anggarkusuma Wibowo said she preferred Wynne and Irawati, the only veteran in the team, to play the singles matches. Although the doubles team lineup will only be unveiled hours before the tournament starts, Suzanna indicated that Irawati fits the job.

Wynne, who turns 18 on April 26, said she was ready for the event. "I'll be a bit nervous at the beginning, but I'm sure I can handle it later on," said Wynne, who failed to qualify for the Australian Open main draw last month.

The tennis body chairman, Tanri Abeng, urged all the players to prove their hard work could pay off, regardless of the outcome.

"Winning and losing is normal in sports. The most important thing is how strong the efforts you make are," Tanri told the players during an official sending-off for the team. (yan)