Indonesia would take part in the Fed Cup World Group II playoff on July 15 and 16 in Tel Aviv despite security concerns, local media reported here on Saturday.

"We have no reason to change the schedule as the Israeli authorities have given their guarantee for the safety and security of our team members. Besides, we have also received the green light from the Foreign Ministry," chairwoman of the The Indonesian Tennis Association Martina Widjaja was quoted by the Jakarta Post as saying.

The chairwoman said the country's three top women's players, Angelique "Angie" Widjaja, Wynne Prakusya and Romana Tedjakusuma, would be on the squad.

The 21-year-old Angie, who only recently returned from a year's layoff due to injury, is still struggling to return to top form. The 2001 Wimbledon and 2002 French Open junior champion is currently ranked 358th in the world, after dropping out of the rankings completely at one point.

Wynne is still recovering from an injury that prevented her from playing in the Fed Cup tie against China in April, which China won 4-0.

"Angie and Wynne have started intensive practice at our training facility in Ragunan (South Jakarta). Romana will fly directly to Israel from the United States, where she has been competing in challenger tournaments," Martina said.

Looking at the world rankings of the Israeli players, Martina acknowledged that Indonesia was facing an uphill task.

Israel will field a team of 19-year-old Shahar Peer, ranked 24th in the world; Anna Smashnova, 30, ranked 42nd; Tzipi Obziler, 33, ranked 150th; and Yevgenia Savransky, 22, ranked 201st.

Indonesia and Israel have met twice previously in Fed Cup ties, in Italy in 1974 and in Japan in 1981. Israel won on both occasions.

The winner of the tie will compete in World Group II in 2007, while the losing team will be relegated to Zone Group I.

Source: Xinhua