Bowlers use event as SEAG tryout
Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
With the 2005 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games only three months away, several countries are using the ongoing Indonesian International Open Bowling Championship as a testing ground to see how they measure up to their rivals.
Indonesia fielded an almost full team for the event, consisting of Ryan Lalisang, Lie Joe Tjam, David Sitorus, Rudy Gunawan, Rudianto Oscar in the men's division, and Putty Armein, Lily Go, Tan Bie Ling, Lani Sardadi Tannya Roumimper in the women's.
Heppy Sediyono, who recently got married, was alone in skipping the tournament at Jaya Ancol bowling alley in North Jakarta.
"Except Heppy, we are a full team here. We have no reason to hide our potential," Aswin Limansantoso, an official of the Indonesian Bowling Association (PBI), said on Monday.
The Philippines, which will host the Games in late November, sent most of its best team members to the tournament, Aswin added.
Thailand, which did not participate last year, sent its top women's players here this year, although its men stayed home.
However, Singapore and Malaysia -- the regional powerhouses along with the Philippines in the sport -- did not send all their main contenders to the event, which runs through Friday.
Malaysian bowler Wendy Chai said Shalin Zulkifli, Sarah Yap and Esther Cheah decided not to compete here because they were exhausted after the recent World Championship.
"Nonetheless, it is good to see that ASEAN countries are also participating here ahead of the SEA Games," Aswin said.
Bowling will make a return to the SEA Games this year after it was left off the roster in 2003. Malaysia dominated the 1999 SEA Games with seven golds, while in 2001, it won four golds. Indonesia only won one bronze in 2001.
Philippine coach Purvis Granger said his team wanted to do their best here to grab the attention of other bowlers.
"I want my players to bowl seriously," the American said.
Among his team are Biboy Rivera, Joone Gatchalian, and Chester King in the men's competition, and last year Indonesia Open champion Liza Del Rosario, Irene Benitez, and Jojo Canare in the women's.
Thai coach Kim Eui Young said his eight women's bowlers were seeking playing experience for Manila, where they will be shooting for two golds.
Six of the eight are getting their first experience in international competition.
"Our top women's bowler Angkana Netviseth, who is 15 years old, is in good shape in the Indonesia Open, she is in the top three so far."
Men's bowler Yannaphon Larphaparat, who will play in an event in the Philippines, is also expected to win SEA Games gold, Kim said.
He acknowledged the target was a difficult one due to the strength of bowlers from Malaysia and the host nation.