Ardiansyah, Silvi win Junior Indonesia Open

By Novan Iman Santosa

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Ardiansyah and Silvi Antarini managed to turn predictions upside down by ousting top-seeded opponents in their final matches of the 2001 Milo Junior Indonesia Open at Bhinneka Sports Hall on Sunday.

Ardiansyah, who joined the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) earlier this year, extended his winning streak over the heavy favorite and top seed here, Sony Dwi Kuncoro, in a tough battle by winning 15-11, 8-15, 15-12.

Both players displayed their skills in long energy-consuming rallies and adopted a wide variety of strategies and techniques throughout their match, cheered by local spectators. In particular, the fans expressed their enthusiasm when seeing both players frequently dive dramatically to return the shuttlecock.

Being downed in the first game, Sony -- runner up of the 2000 Junior Asian Championships and 2000 Junior World Championships -- convincingly took the second game.

However, Ardiansyah fought harder in the do-or-die decider and forced Sony to narrowly trail in points reaching 12-12 before he sealed the match 15-12.

Ardiansyah pocketed the first prize of US$600 while Sony bagged $450.

"I just wanted to prove that I can achieve better because Sony has been in the spotlight lately," Ardiansyah said after the match.

While Sony said, "I had tried to take the second game but I couldn't maintain my condition in the critical points during the decider. Therefore, Ardiansyah beat me."

Sony was targeted by junior coach Joko Suprianto to bring home the title.

In the girls singles, second seed Silvi of PBI also managed to continue her head-to-head lead to 16-1 over top seed and teammate Dewi Tira by winning the final 8-11, 11-2, 11-5 in a breathtaking match.

Dewi pumped out her energy to win the first game but she became weaker entering the second game, giving up easily 11-2 to Silvi.

Dewi's weak condition was getting worse when she vomited before continuing the third game. Silvi herself also had to deal with cramp in her right thigh during her quarterfinals match.

"I know that the public, my teammates and the coaches had favored Dewi but my father kept telling me that I must be confident with my own skills," Silvia told reporters after the match.

"I must admit that Dewi has better skills but it seemed that she lacked physical fitness and I exploited it well."

Dewi admitted that she had lost all her energy after the fast and furious semifinals where she had to struggle before ousting Lilyana Natsir of Jakarta-based Tangkas Bogasari 11-7, 11-9.

PBI girls doubles pair Endang Nursanti and Lina Marlina took the title after defeating teammates Monica and Lita Nurlita 5-15, 15-6, 17-15 in a very tough match.

In the mixed doubles event, Titon Gustaman and Frida Winaryati of Djarum Kudus defeated Devin Lahardi and Andriani of Jakarta- based Tangkas Bogasari 17-15, 15-12 also in a close match.

The boys doubles match between Jaya Raya's Hendra Setiawan and Joko Riyadi of Jaya Raya and Djarum Kudus' Ruben Gordon and Belly Gunawan was still taking place as of press time.

The tournament also served as a selection of the team to compete at the Junior Asian Championships in Taipei next month.