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Indonesia aimed to extend its undefeated record against host Hong Kong in the Davis Cup, though cold weather could make it a bit difficult for the visitors.

Indonesia has a 5-0 record against Hong Kong in Davis Cup play, but coach Bonit Wiryawan was cautious over the weather at Victoria Park, where it was predicted to get as cold as 16 degrees Celsius when the Asia/Oceania Group II match starts today.

“If we look at the record, it shouldn’t be difficult for us to win over them,” Bonit said. “Our biggest concern, though, is the weather. It’s very cold here, while of course their players are used to this kind of weather.

“Just look at the women’s team in the Fed Cup. They had good players but failed to adapt with cold weather in China and lost all their games.”

Last week, the women’s team was relegated back to the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group II after losing its games in Group I Pool B before falling 3-0 to Uzbekistan in the relegation playoff. Cold weather in Guangdong, China, that reached as low as 13 degrees was blamed in part for the team’s lackluster performance.

The men’s team has been training in Hong Kong since Monday and Bonit hoped they had enough time to adjust to the weather and the court.

“On paper we have better players, and if we can cope with the cold, I think we’ll definitely win the match and qualify for the second round,” Bonit said.

Indonesia’s men’s team currently sits at No. 55 in the world ranking. Hong Kong is No. 64.

World No. 407 Christopher Rungkat leads the team, which also features Aditya Hari Sasongko, David Agung Susanto and Wisnu Adi Nugroho.

Hong Kong will send Nicholas Sayer, Jonathan Chu, Jack Hui and Yu Hui-tung to the first round.

After the draw on Thursday, Christopher will start the tie against Sayer today, while David plays against Jonathan Chu.

Christopher will play again in Saturday’s doubles match with partner Aditya, facing Chu and Hui, while the reverse singles will be played on Sunday.

The winner will play against either Sri Lanka or Thailand, who face off in Colombo in a contest also taking place this weekend.

Indonesia is aiming to earn promotion to Asia/Oceania Group I for the first time since was relegated in 2005 after losing 4-1 to Thailand.

Kresno Merdiko, the Indonesian Lawn Tennis Association (Pelti) head of athlete development, believes the team will qualify, and was already eyeing a showdown with Thailand.

“I don’t think we’ll find any problem against Hong Kong in the first round and Thailand will likely to beat Sri Lanka,” Kresno said. “It will be a tough game against Thailand but I think we can beat them this time and go to the promotional playoffs.”

Indonesia has a 2-4 record against Thailand in the Davis Cup and has lost the last tree meetings.