Pumped up Prima keeps it all square for RI in Davis Cup

Pumped up Prima keeps it all square for RI in Davis Cup

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Prima Simpatiaji came out primed for a fight on Friday, and
proceeded to perfecly execute his game plan to keep Indonesia
level with Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie
here.

Although ranked 987 to Farrukh Dustov's 331 on the ATP
computer, Prima used his powerful serve to set up easy putaways
in a routine 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory at Senayan Hardcourt, Central
Jakarta.

His win was a welcome boost for the small band of local fans
who turned out in the baking sun, only to be quickly silenced
when veteran Suwandi went down in a lackluster performance to 19-
year-old Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

The two Indonesians were a study in contrasts: While an out of
sorts Suwandi was unable to change a losing game, a pumped up
Prima came onto court bounding with energy.

He took charge from the outset by rushing the net, with
Dustov's game melting in a slew of unforced errors in the heat.

The Central Java native attributed his improved play to a
decision to focus on his serve.

"I have cranked up my serve in the past two weeks to find more
accuracy. It seems to work as I can follow through with volleys."

Nonplaying captain Tintus Arianto Wibowo was delighted with
his protege's performance.

"It's his best day. He just applied our game plan properly."

After giving up just three games in the first two sets, Prima
seemed to be coasting to victory. The 1.94 meter Dustov, however,
made a final stand in the opening games of the third and pounded
down several aces.

The Indonesian team has been receiving help from American
coach Bill Tym in recent weeks to devise games plans. Tym is no
stranger to Indonesian tennis, having worked with the 1982
Indonesian team that advanced to the prestigious World Group, as
well as women's top 20 player Yayuk Basuki for a brief period.

The set went on serve until Prima raised his game to break
Dustov in the pivotal seventh game.

The Uzbek praised Prima's outstanding serve and deep approach
shots that kept him on his back foot -- "he kept in charge at the
net with deep shots, he played very good tennis" -- but said the
heat was a factor in his loss.

He said he was unable to acclimatize since arriving here three
days ago, a full 10 days after his teammates, after playing
indoors in Europe.

"The weather is very humid. I couldn't return the ball on
court. It's much tougher to receive here than in indoors," Dustov
said.

"Although my serve is powerful, I had no power to finish the
ball quickly. I hope I can play better the day after tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Suwandi chose to rely on his backhand slice, which
proved resoundingly ineffectual in countering the powerful
groundstrokes of his opponent.

Suwandi, when asked about his sorry performance, chose to
focus instead on his opponent -- a full 10 years younger than
himself and making his Davis Cup debut.

"He played better than me. I tried hard ... it was the best I
could do today."

Suwandi was a late replacement in the singles following the
withdrawal of Feby Widhiyanto, who has been at odds with the
Indonesian Tennis Association (PELTI) after choosing to train in
Australia instead of at home.

Although Suwandi's performance on opening day was not exactly
confidence inspiring, Indonesia has put its hopes squarely on his
shoulders.

He is teamed with veteran Bonit Wiryawan, 37, in the doubles
on Saturday against Vadim Kutsenko and Murad Inoyatov before the
crucial reverse singles matches on Sunday.

Kutsenko, a factor in Uzbekistan's Davis Cup tight 3-2
victories over Indonesia in 2001 and 2003, had been expected to
play singles, but has been suffering from a chest infection.

Tintus said he expected Suwandi to fight in his remaining
matches.

"It's crucial match. Suwandi must push his way hard for
redemption."

The doubles match will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday.