Suwandi RI's first singles in Davis Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia made a last-minute change to its lineup for a Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group II match against Qatar in Doha starting Friday, naming Suwandi its first singles choice instead of Febi Widhiyanto.

National coach Dedy Prasetyo told The Jakarta Post from Doha that the team decided on the change because Suwandi had returned to his old form and had pledged to play his best.

"Suwandi is more experienced than Febi, having received numerous caps in the Davis Cup competition, instead of only one," Dedy said.

"Suwandi's victory will give Febi a morale boost to win his own game," the coach added.

The draw on Thursday put Suwandi in the opening match against Qatar's number two Nasser Ghamen Al Kholaifi. Febi will meet the host's top player, Sultan Khalfan.

Suwandi was out of Davis Cup action last year due to his poor form. He appeared to regain his form last month, winning the national selection for this week's Davis Cup outing.

Along with the two singles players, Indonesia brings in the doubles pairing of Edy Kusdaryanto and Hendri Susilo Pramono. The team is led by non-playing captain Tintus Arianto Wibowo.

Mohammad Ali Khalifa Al Saound and Mubarak H At Tobaishi will represent Qatar, with non-playing captain Mohammad Salem Al Kholaifi.

Dedy said he was optimistic that his team would emerge the winners if at least one of the two singles openers was victorious on Friday.

"We are better than them in the doubles, so if we can steal a point on Friday we will have a greater chance to win," he said.

Dedy said his players were all in a good mood, despite the fact they have never played the Qataris before.

"The general feeling in the team is really good and it helps the players build strong teamwork," he said, adding that he and Tintus had especially pumped up Suwandi's self-confidence.

The Davis Cup matches will be played on a rebound ace court, the surface Indonesian players have become familiar with during training in Jakarta.

"They don't have any problems with the court. They are in good shape and they are ready to fight," said Dedy.

Dedy said the main problem was the cold weather.

"The temperature here is between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius but the sunshine is very strong. I have told my players not to forget their sunblock when they practice," he said.

The matches will start at 2.30 p.m. local time, or 6.30 p.m. West Indonesia Time.

"The host has the right to decide when the match starts. I think they also want to avoid the hot sun. If we play in the afternoon, maybe the heat will not be as strong as in the morning," he said. (yan)