Christopher Rungkat was the hero for Indonesia as they gained promotion to Asia-Oceania Zone Group I in the Davis Cup on Sunday with a 3-2 win over the Philippines. The hosts' number one player, ranked 292 in the world, trounced Jeson Patrombon in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 at the Gelora Bung Karno tennis stadium in Jakarta in the deciding rubber.
About 500 home fans burst into song, cheered and beat drums to celebrate Rungkat's win, which will see Indonesia play in regional group I in 2013.
"I played well. There were many opportunities for me to win the first game and I was even more confident in the second and third sets," an elated Rungkat told reporters. "This victory is important to me as it brings Indonesia back to group 1," he added.
For the Philippines, Patrombon replaced Treat Huey, ranked 39 in the world, in a move that backfired.
Patrombon had yet to play in the Group II final and was considered fresh, the visiting team captain Roland Peter Kraut told a press conference. It was "part of a strategy", a disappointed Kraut said. "So sorry we lost," he added, shrugging his shoulders.
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