RI-Japan Davis Cup draw on Wednesday

Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The draw for the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone World Group I match between host Indonesia and Japan will take place on Wednesday, an official said.

Tennis Association of Indonesia (Pelti) deputy secretary- general August Ferry Raturandang told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday the draw would be followed by a welcome party for the Japanese squad.

Both the draw and the party will take place at the residence of Pelti chairwoman Martina Wijaya, Ferry said.

The Davis Cup match will take place from Feb. 6 to Feb. 8 at Senayan Tennis Court in Jakarta. The event will be open to the public, with tickets costing Rp 20,000 (US$2.35).

The Indonesian squad for the event will consist of Febi Widhiyanto (ATP singles ranking of 547, doubles 787), Prima Simpatiaji (697, 1281), Suwandi (895, 580), Hendri Soesilo Purnomo (1046, 676) and nonplaying captain Tintus Arianto Wibowo.

Japan has sent Takao Suzuki (205, 322), Gouichi Motomura (262, 1044), Thomas Shimada (855, 75) and Takahiro Terachi (313, 401).

The Japanese team arrived here on Sunday and have been practicing at Senayan to get used to the heat, Ferry said, adding that it was winter now in Japan.

The visiting squad is coached by Australian Bob Brett, a former coach for Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic and Nicolas Kiefer.

Indonesia retained its place in Group I of the Asia-Oceania Zone by defeating South Korea 3-2, with Suwandi securing the host team's victory at the Embong Sawo Tennis Court in Surabaya, in April last year.