Angelique qualifies for Jr French Open

Angelique qualifies for Jr French Open

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's girls player Angelique Widjaja
qualifies for the junior singles main draw of the French Open,
given her world ranking of 38.

Indonesia has qualified many girl players for the prestigious
tournament, but only few of them, including Yayuk Basuki, showed
consistency in pursuing their careers up to senior level.

The only obstacle, however, stopping Angie, nicknamed
Angelique, from competing in one of the Grand Slam series is a
financial shortage. The junior event will be staged at Roland
Garros from June 4 to June 11.

Angie's father, Rico Widjaja, recalled how difficult it was
for his 15-year-old daughter to enter the prestigious tournament.
He said he expected financial support for Angie.

Spokesman for the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Benny
Mailili also urged the association to help fund Angie's
transportation and accommodation costs in France.

"We have another junior player who qualified for the French
Open. We should not let this opportunity go. Pelti should support
her because it is responsible for junior players' development.
The senior players are encouraged to find their own sponsors," he
said.

Angie shone in the main draw's first round of the Asia Oceania
zone qualifying round of the NEC World Youth Cup 2000 on Friday,
where Indonesia won 3-0 against New Zealand.

She fought hard to beat Eden Marama 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 in the
second singles match. Teammate Novianti earlier opened the path
to victory, defeating Tanja Markovic 6-2, 5-7, 8-6.

Partnering Diana Nur Fatimah, Angie beat Marama's sisters Eden
and Paula 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) in the doubles event. The Indonesia's
girls team will face South Korea in the second round on Saturday.

South Korea team of Lee Bit-na, Hong Da-jung and Kim Hye-mi
had no difficulty defeating Thailand 3-0 on Friday.

Indonesian girls team coach Meiske Handayani Wiguna said her
players must perform all-out to be able to land a place in
Sunday's final. The top three teams of the qualifying round will
earn the final berth for the world group scheduled in Hiroshima,
Japan.

"Our players have ability almost equal to the South Koreans.
The key to victory lies in Novi's hands. Angie will have no
difficulties playing Kim because both players know each others'
skills. Angie beat Kim in Thailand recently," Meiske said.

In another main draw, China will face Chinese Taipei on
Saturday. China beat Australia 2-1 while Chinese Taipei defeated
India 3-0.

Indonesia's boys team continued to the second round of the
consolation match after a 3-0 victory over the Philippines.
Indonesia will next face Uzbekistan.

The boys main draw will pitch Chinese Taipei against Hong
Kong, and China against Australia. On Friday, Chinese Taipei beat
Thailand 2-1, Hong Kong beat India 2-1, China beat New Zealand 3-
0 and Australia defeated South Korea 3-0.(ivy)