Indonesia gets another seat for Olympics' table tennis<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's table tennis player Ismu
\nHarinto has joined compatriot Anton Suseno in qualifying for the
\nmen's doubles table tennis event at the Olympic Games in Sydney
\nin September.<\/p>\n
Anton told reporters on Monday that the International Table
\nTennis Federation (ITTF) had confirmed that Ismu has qualified
\nfor the Olympics in the doubles event only.<\/p>\n
"As I already qualified for the singles, ITTF is seeking
\nanother player in the doubles and picked Ismu and I as the last
\nqualifiers," he said.<\/p>\n
Anton finished 15th in the Asian Championships in Hong Kong in
\nMarch, which also served as the Olympic qualifier. He is the only
\nSoutheast Asian player to qualify for the Olympics.<\/p>\n
The partnership of Anton and Ismu finished eighth in the
\nevent, following China Taipei and Vietnam in sixth and seventh
\nplace.<\/p>\n
"But none of the doubles from Taipei and Vietnam have
\nqualified. I think that's the reason why ITTF picked Indonesia,"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Anton expressed hope that the National Sports Council (KONI)
\ncould support him financially to compete in the Brazilian Open in
\nRio de Janeiro from July 13 to July 16.<\/p>\n
"We hoped to compete in the U.S. Open in Fort Lauderdale,
\nFlorida, from July 6 to July 9 but due to the financial problems
\nand registration confirmation, we finally decided on the
\nBrazilian Open. Besides, it's the last tournament prior to the
\nOlympics."<\/p>\n
Anton and Ismu will need US$3,150 each to finance their trip.<\/p>\n
"We have revised our budget and we hope KONI can help us.
\nRight now I've got some help from actor Rano Karno," he said,
\ndeclining to mention the figure.<\/p>\n
Anton said that after the tournament he would possibly train
\nat the Gudang Garam table tennis center in Kediri, East Java.<\/p>\n
"It has the best and most complete facilities compared to
\nother centers in the country." (yan)<\/p>",
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