Indonesia thumps NZ to stay in Group 1

Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia has retained its place in Asia-Oceania Group 1 for next season's Davis Cup after securing an overall 3-0 win on Saturday over New Zealand in their second round playoffs at the Bung Karno Open Tennis Stadium in Jakarta.

The host team's victory was decided in the doubles when Suwandi and veteran Bonit Wiryawan dismissed the visiting duo of Mark Nielsen and Lee Radovanovich 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) to take an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

Febi Widhiyanto and Prima Simpatiadji had put Indonesia up 2-0 after back to back singles wins on Friday.

The four Indonesian players ran a victory lap around the court in front of hundreds of cheering home fans.

Despite the win, 36-year-old veteran Bonit said after the match that he was not at his best, but was determined to win because it was his national duty.

"Our opponents didn't look at their best. Ten years ago, I might have won more easily," said Bonit, who has played in the Davis Cup for 14 consecutive years.

The visitors played nervously throughout the match and seemed to lose their teamwork, while the Indonesian duo displayed a solid game.

"Although Bonit is much older, he proved the better half with his good positioning and volleys. The opponents hit hard strokes but were not accurate," Indonesian non-playing captain Tintus Arianto Wibowo said.

Suwandi and Bonit relentlessly drilled Radovanovich, 22, in the first two sets, taking points off him.

Radovanovich became unnerved and made a double fault in the seventh game to hand the Indonesians a break point before they went on to seal the first set.

The home players continued their aggressive strategy in the second set, commanding play at both the net and baseline.

The Kiwis awoke in the third set, breaking Bonit's serve in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead. Bonit duly broke back as the two sides looked balanced to tie at 4-4.

Leading 6-5, the visitors had the advantage to win the set, but Radovanovich blew their chance by flipping the ball into the net.

His failure cost dearly, as the Indonesians steadied themselves to win the 12th game after exchanging five deuces.

The tiebreaker was tense at 2-2. The Indonesians pulled two points up, and after allowing the New Zealanders another point, they charged ahead. The won when Radovanovich's forehand return sailed wide.

Non-playing New Zealand captain Bruce Derlin praised Suwandi and Bonit: "It was like they were married; they complemented each other."