Tue, 25 Oct 2005

Alexandria ahead in Jababeka chess

JAKARTA: Georgian WGM Nana Alexandria retained a half point lead at the end of the sixth round of the US$7,000 Jababeka Women's International Chess Tournament on Monday.

Alexandria, the only grand master in the 11-round event, defeated Russian Adelaida Z. at Kartika Chandra Hotel in Central Jakarta for a total of 5.5 points. Tied for second are local player Upi D. Tamin -- who beat Malaysian Roslina Marmono -- and fellow Women's International Master Jana Krivec of Slovenia.

Krivec overcame another Indonesian, Lisa K. Lumongdong, the Indonesian Chess Association said in a release.

In fourth on four points are Angela Khegai of Uzbekistan and Evi Lindiawati of Indonesia. Half a point behind them are 14-year-old local prodigy Irene Kharisma, who defeated Singapore's Hui Dawn on Monday, and compatriot Stefani Dian Cheri. -- JP

;JP;IWA; ANPAs..r.. Brief-cycling-Tonton Tonton banned for a month JP/10/BRIEFS

Cyclist Tonton gets one-month suspension

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Cycling Association (ISSI) gave Tonton Suprapto a one-month suspension for testing positive for the banned stimulant ephedrine, which will allow the cyclist to participate in next month's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

ISSI secretary-general Sofian Ruzian said on Monday the International Cycling Union was informed of the ruling, effective on Oct. 1. He added the sport's international governing body did not indicate it endorsed or rejected the sanction.

"We banned Tonton for a month and the punishment period is nearly over," he said.

The 31-year-old rider reportedly tested positive for ephedrine at June's Qing Hai Lake Tour event in China.

Tonton was also stripped of his gold medal at the 1997 SEA Games in Jakarta after testing positive for a banned substance. -- JP

;ANTARA; ANPAs..r.. Indonesia-SEA Games-Idul Fitri No hometown trips for SEA Games athletes JP/10/BRIEFS No hometown trips for SEAG athletes

JAKARTA: National athletes in training for the 23rd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) have been barred from joining the annual Idul Fitri exodus to hometowns.

Head of daily affairs at the National Sports Council (KONI), Djoko Pramono, said on Monday athletes would not be permitted to travel home for the post-fasting month holiday, set for Nov. 3- Nov. 4.

"We have deliberately prohibited them from going home because the holiday is only two days. If they were allowed to, usually it (the trip) would stretch to four or more days, due to various excuses," he was quoted as saying by Antara news service.

The SEA Games will be held on Nov. 27-Dec. 5 in the Philippines.

Djoko said sanctions for errant athletes would be decided by their coaches, but he would make a spot inspection of each training site on the weekend after the holiday.

He also said national athletes would receive a holiday bonus of Rp 1 million (about US$100) regardless of whether they would be sent to compete in the Philippines. -- JP

;AP; ANPA ..r.. Australia-Gillespie Injured Gillespie's selection chances take another hit JP/10/BRIEFS Gillespie fitness in doubt again

SYDNEY, Australia: Jason Gillespie's chances of being recalled for the Australian cricket lineup have suffered a setback.

The 30 year old was struck in the chest by a lifting delivery from Brett Lee in a domestic limited-overs match against New South Wales on Sunday, with medical scans on Monday showing it caused deep bruising to his lung.

He is expected to be sidelined until Nov. 4. Australia opens its home international season on Nov. 3 in Brisbane with the first of three Tests against the West Indies. -- AP