36 teams join bridge tourney

JAKARTA (JP): Thirty six teams will take part in the Governor Cup bridge tournament at South Jakarta's Bulungan Bridge Center from July 5 to July 6.

The secretary of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (GABSI), Alexander (Lexy) Sondakh, said yesterday the tournament was to commemorate Jakarta's 470th anniversary and Indonesia's 52nd Independence Day.

"Governor Soerjadi Soedirdja will open the tournament. This is an annual event which we limit to 36 teams," Lexy said.

Lexy 20 of the teams would come from the public and 16 would be youth, women's and student teams.

The Governor Cup is held by the Arangan team which is led by Anindra Lubis and boasts players Parlin Sinaga, Irwan Nimara, F.R. Waluyan and Babsye.

This year's tournament is important because it is a trial for top clubs preparing for the national bridge championships at the Kuningan Sports Hall on July 12.

Apart from the Governor Cup, the winners will receive cash prizes.

A highlight will be GABSI chairman General Wiranto's inauguration of the Jakarta GABSI chapter's new board members for the 1997 to 2001 period.

Wiranto was appointed Army Chief of Staff on June 11, and is also the chief of Forki, the body governing karate in Indonesia. (lnt)