Suwandi grabs a spot in the SEA Games team

JAKARTA (JP): Men's singles player Suwandi ensured a place in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games team after two victories on the second day of the national selection at Kemayoran Tennis Center.

Suwandi, a former member of Indonesia's Davis Cup team, defeated on Thursday Sebastian Da Costa 6-3, 6-1 and Hendri Susilo Pramono 6-2, 6-3. Suwandi won all four of his matches.

Yusmawan Fahmi, who is yet to join the national squad for an international event, trailed in second place with three victories and one loss.

Also on Thursday, high-tempered Fahmi beat Suhendar Dinata 6- 4, 6-2 and Edy Kusdaryanto 6-3, 6-0.

Febi Widhiyanto, who had racked up two victories in the first day, lost to Hendri 3-6, 4-6, to follow in third place. The 19- year-old player will be eligible to join the team if he can win two more matches.

"I will try my best to win at least two of my last three matches," said Febi, who joined the Davis Cup team early this year.

Seven players -- Suwandi, Febi, Hendri, Fahmi, Edy, Suhendar and Sebastian -- are competing in the round-robin selection which will end on Saturday. Four of them will be named to compete in the SEA Games in Brunei Darussalam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.

The last spot in the team is being contested between Hendri, Edy and Suhendar, each of whom has racked up one win and two losses during the selection. Sebastian appears likely to miss out on a place after losing all four of his matches.

Coach Deddy Prasetyo said if Edy failed to make the team, Indonesia would lack a fine doubles player.

"All the players, whoever they are, can play doubles, but maybe not as well as Edy," he said.

Deddy expressed hope the Indonesian Tennis Association officials would affirm the selection results.

"The selection system was applied following suggestions from many people, including former national team members and other coaches."

On Thursday, Febi and Hendri received sponsorship from Allianz Life insurance, which will provide a US$25,000 coverage for each of the athletes.

Deddy said he hoped the sponsorship deals would enable him to arrange more international tournaments for both of the athletes. (yan)