INDONESIA IS wary of what the Philippines is bringing to center court during the Nov. 27 to Dec. 5 Southeast Asian Games, the Jakarta Post reported yesterday.
"We should keep our eye on the Philippines right now as several good American tennis players (with Philippine heritage) will play for them," Indonesian women’s top singles player Wynne Prakusya told the English-language daily.
Even the Indonesian Tennis Association said the acquisition of Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino in the 23rd staging of the SEAG should enhance the Philippines’ bid for the gold medal.
Thailand is also fancied in the region, but its star player, Paradron Srichapan, has opted to skip the SEAG.
The reports also said the Philippines is fielding Lilia Osteloh and Riza Zalameda.
Mamiit is the most recognizable name in the pack as he even reached the ranking of No. 72 in the ATP in 1999, while Tanio, who also lives in the Los Angeles area like Mamiit, used to be rated No. 122nd.
Indonesia’s top netters include Prima Simpatiaji (635th), Suandi (639) and Sunu Wahyu (918).
Still, Indonesia is confident that its players will rise to the occasion.
"There will be tough competition in tennis between Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines now," said August Ferry Raturandang, deputy secretary general of the ITA. We might still be able to secure women’s doubles and men’s doubles as we are usually strong in those areas."
"Our strength is that as a team…we have more experience (in the SEAG) than the Philippines," he added.
