South Koreans rely on singles in Davis Cup

South Koreans rely on singles in Davis Cup

JAKARTA (JP): South Korea is upbeat about sweeping the first
two singles matches in the opening day of its Davis Cup duel
against Indonesia here today.

The South Korean non-playing captain Jeon Yoong-dai said after
the draw yesterday that statistics and experience look to favor
his team to a morale boosting 2-0 lead.

Today's first singles match will pit Yoon Young-il against
Indonesia's number one Suwandi. South Korean second singles Lee
Hyung-taek is tipped to meet Indonesia's surprising option of
Adrian Raturandang.

There is only a doubles match to be played at the Senayan clay
court tomorrow, with Lee and Chang Eui-jong meeting with Donny
Susetyo and Eddy Kusdaryanto. Two reverse singles matches will
wind up the Asia Oceania zone first round duel on Sunday.

"Once we overcome Suwandi, we will take all," Jeon said. "We
know that we hold our biggest chance ever to win this year."

Yoon, Asia's champion in 1994, beat Suwandi in both their
previous two encounters. The South Korean number one reached the
final of the Australian Open qualifying round last month.

"I'm poised to maintain my personal record against Suwandi,
learning that I have prepared for this match for three months,"
said Yoon, who last blanked the Indonesian in straight sets in
their Davis Cup clash in Seoul last year.

Jeon said his players had no complaints about the weather or
the slow surface of the Senayan tennis court which proved to be
the downfall of the South Koreans in their four previous outings
here.

"We have got used to the heat as well as the court. They don't
matter to us any longer," the former South Korean Davis Cupper
said. Jeon's team arrived here 12 days before the matches.

Jeon will bench his teenage protege Kim Dong-hyun, winner of
the Asian Championships in Manila last December.

Indonesian non-playing captain Wailan Walalangi struck back at
South Korea's prematch boast. "Let them say anything. We'll come
up to finish them," said Wailan, who joined Indonesia's winning
team over South Korea here in 1988.

Wailan expected his squad to take one of the two singles today
through Suwandi. "He's more consistent now," Wailan said of
Suwandi who will make his 10th appearance in Davis Cup.

Wailan said a 1-1 draw today would open up his team's chance
to retain its home winning streak. "I'm thinking about letting
Suwandi team up with Eddy on Saturday if the score is tied on the
opening day," Wailan said.

Substitution is allowed until one hour before a match is
played.

Suwandi said he had nothing to worry about in his role as the
team's backbone.

"I'm fit enough for the Davis Cup. It will be a tough match
against Yoon tomorrow, but I'm going to do my best," Suwandi
said. The 19-year-old player has been in hot water after his
lackluster showing in the 18th Southeast Asian Games last year.

Wailan defended his stance to name Adrian the second singles.
"He teamed up with Suwandi in the World Cup Youth when they were
juniors. They are now playing together in on a slightly different
level," Wailan said. Adrian and Eddy are making their Davis Cup
debuts. (amd)