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)