Andrian may return to Games training
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association's chairman, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, said Saturday that Andrian Raturandang, who was dismissed from the 19th SEA Games training camp because of his weak physical condition and undisciplined behavior, might be allowed to return.
"Andrian can return to the training camp if his condition improves, provided he changes his attitude. If he doesn't, we won't recruit him although he's a good player," Sarwono said.
Andrian, who suffered dehydration during a Davis Cup tie against the Philippines in Manila last month, has apologized to the association for misbehaving during the training camp.
The association is scheduled to meet today to decide whether to pick Andrian for the Group I Davis Cup tie against New Zealand next month and the SEA Games, which takes place here from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19.
While the tennis squad's preparations for the SEA Games have been relatively smooth, the same cannot be said for the Indonesian Gymnastics Association, which is still having problems finding an appropriate training hall for its rhythmic gymnasts.
Frederick Huma, the gymnastics body's deputy training chief, said the 144-square-meter Senayan hall does not meet the international standard requirement for the event, which has to take place in a 169-square-meter hall.
All gymnasts are currently practicing at the Senayan hall but Frederick said the city administration has allowed the association to use the new gymnastics hall on Jl. Raden Inten, East Jakarta.
The 25 athletes will face transportation problems because they have to travel about 25 kms from the Hotel Atlet Century Park, Central Jakarta, to reach the new hall.
"We'll rent a house near the hall," Frederick said on how the problem would be resolved.
Archery
The Games training director Djoko Pramono said he had received a protest letter from five national archers.
Kompas reported Dahliana, Purnama Pandiangan, Lucia Elizabeth, Yuliasih and Dwi Novita had protested about coach Donald Pandiangan, who took the Indonesian team to the Olympic silver medal in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea.
They said Donald was a demanding and uncommunicative person. Donald left the training in Cinere, South Jakarta, after hearing the athletes had complained about him.
Djoko said he had spoken to the athletes and had asked for input from the Indonesian Archery Association but had yet to meet Donald.
"The decision will be made after I get all the information I need," he said.
Boxers Martin Sihombing, Victor Ramos and Hengky Tobias, who are being groomed for the Games, reached the third round of the YMCA amateur championships and Adajania Cup in New Delhi Saturday.
Compatriots La Paena Masara and Dufri Masihor were scheduled to fight Sunday evening. (yan)