Suwandi may play in Davis Cup tie

Suwandi may play in Davis Cup tie

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best tennis player Suwandi will
likely play singles and doubles in the Davis Cup Group II Asia
Oceania zone semifinal here early next month.

Coach Dedy Prasetyo told reporters on Friday that Suwandi has
shown great improvement in his physical condition recently.

"Suwandi has tried hard to chase Febi in physical training.
It's good because his weakness was his physical condition. If
Suwandi is on top form, he is likely to compete in the singles
and doubles," he said.

Indonesia's team -- comprising Suwandi, Edy Kusdaryanto, Febi
Widhiyanto and Hendri Susilo Pramono -- will meet the
Philippines, consisting of Joseph Lizardo, Bryan Juinio and
Michael Misa, at the Senayan indoor stadium from April 2 to April
4.

Dedy said the partnership of Suwandi and Edy was the best as
they had beaten Febi and Hendri in their four meetings.

Players will have a simulation match on Saturday. In the
doubles, former national team member Bonit Wiryawan will partner
Febi to challenge Edy and Suwandi. In the singles, Febi will meet
either Cahyono or Samsuddin Pare. Another simulation will take
place next week.

Dedy said that Hendri, who played in the doubles in the first
match against Qatar last month, had beaten senior Dede Suhendar
Dinata in a simulation.

However, the coach hoped none of national players would have
to compete in both singles and doubles.

"I admit I'm confused about the perfect line-up of players
because the Filipinos are strong. I just hope none of them has to
play both," he said.

Indonesia is expecting the Philippines to submit the names of
its players by March 23.

Dedy said he could not name his first or second singles before
receiving the opponent's names.

"I'm sure that Lizardo will play the first singles. But we're
still not sure if Cecil Mamiit is playing," he said. Mamiit is an
American and a Philippines passport holder. Reports indicate he
has asked the Philippines Tennis Association to pay him US$50,000
for the match.

Dedy said the players would reach their peak one weak prior to
the match.

"We only need to maintain their condition and discuss their
mental preparation with psychologist Joe Rumeser," he said.

Separately, Febi said he would be ready if he had to play
singles and doubles.

"I'm ready. We have been training really hard after coming
home from Qatar. I'm sure we have an equal chance with the
Philippines," said the 19-year-old.

Febi said he did not really care if he is fielded as the first
or second singles.

"It doesn't really matter to me. I have never met the
Filipinos in satellite tournaments before," he said.

The Philippines had asked Indonesia to move the match to a
neutral country and reschedule it for July but the host declined
the request, saying Indonesia would fully guarantee the Filipinos
safety from their arrival. (yan)