RI closer to World Group

JAKARTA (JP): A referee's decision on Saturday to move the Federation Cup group one playoff match away from center court was instrumental in handing Indonesia a 2-1 win over hosts Chinese Taipei, and a berth in the World Group qualifying round.

Veteran Indonesian tennis player Yayuk Basuki saved team pride in the decisive doubles match after the teams were tied 1-1 following two previous singles matches at Yang Min Tennis Court in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei.

Junior player Wynne Prakusya and Yayuk both overcame the psychological pressure and overwhelmed Janet Lee and Chuang Chia- Yung 7-5, 3-6, 6-1. Earlier, Romana Tedjakusuma barely raised a sweat in beating Chuang 6-4, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, but Wynne failed to secure an early victory, crushed by Lee 4-6, 1-6.

Nonplaying captain Suzanna Anggarkusumah Wibowo said that a referee, whom she failed to identify, offered the doubles team a venue move due to poor lighting during the rubber.

"It was nearly dark, and the lighting on center court was not so good. After an offer from the referee, we immediately decided to move to court two.

"Finally we won the rubber. I think God has arranged it for us," Suzanna told The Jakarta Post by phone from Kaohsiung.

It is not the first time Indonesia has entered the World Group qualifying round. The team managed to break into the world's top eight in the early 1990s.

Indonesia is among four teams from group one proceeding to the World Group Relegation Ties, which will be played on a home and away basis in July. They will challenge four other teams facing relegation from the World Group.

The ties determine which teams will be relegated or promoted to the 2002 World Group. The first round of the World Group will be played later this month. (ivy)