Suwandi, Andrian expected to win their opening matches

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to win its two matches today on the first day of its Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group I round against the Philippines at the Indoor Courts Philippine Columbian Association in Manila.

Suwandi was drawn at 10:00 a.m. yesterday for the first singles match. The draw took place at the Foreign Ministry Hall in Boulevard Pasay City, Manila.

He is expected to beat Robert Angelo today at 10.00 a.m. Teammate Andrian Raturandang was picked as for the second singles match against Joseph Lizardo.

Indonesia's doubles Bonit Wiryawan/Sulistyo Wibowo are to face Pio Tolentino/Michael Misa tomorrow.

The draw was led by the International Tennis Federation referee Peter Ballinger of Australia. Indonesia's Ambassador Abu Hartono, the Philippines Foreign Minister Domingo Siason Jr. and the Philippines Tennis Association's president Salvador Andrada witnessed the draw.

The Indonesian Tennis Association's chairman, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, urged his players to win as an Idul Fitri gift for their country.

The event's winner will meet New Zealand to fight for a World Group berth. The losing nation has a second chance to stay in Group I, where it will face tough countries like China, South Korea, China Taipei and Uzbekhistan.

Indonesia's score against the Philippines in the Davis Cup is 3-3. The Philippines won three times in a row, in 1968, 1969 and 1974, and Indonesia took revenge by winning in 1986, 1992 and 1993.

Today's tournament will be opened by the Philippines Olympic Association's president, Christy Ramos-Jalasco, who is also President Fidel Ramos' daughter.

The Indonesian Embassy aims to get 6,000 Indonesians living in Manila to support the national squad. (yan)