Bowling requires govt support

Bowling requires govt support

CIREBON, West Java: The absence of proper practice facilities
and a system to develop athletes has prevented Indonesia from
producing world-class bowlers, a former top national bowler
says.

Hari Pratomo, who won the silver medal in bowling at the 1994
Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, warned that Indonesia was
following in the path of the Philippines, which has seen its
achievements in the sport decline due to a lack of support from
both the private sector and the government.

"Unlike other ASEAN countries like Singapore, our government
hardly pays attention to bowling," Hari said on the sidelines of
the Bhayangkara Cup bowling tournament here. "Don't be surprised
if we fall behind Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand."

Hari warned that his silver medal at the 1994 Asian Games, the
best achievement an Indonesian bowler has ever recorded, could be
the last Indonesian medal in the sport if private sponsors and
the government failed to offer their support. --JP

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Putbrief-cycling-Catalunya
Heras lays down Tour marker
JP/11/BRIEF

Heras lays down Tour marker

BARCELONA: Spain's Roberto Heras provided firm evidence of his
fine pre-Tour de France form by holding off a strong challenge
from his leading rivals to win the Tour of Catalunya on Sunday.

The US Postal rider shadowed every move made by rivals Aitor
Garmendia, Luis Perez and Mikel Zarrabeitia throughout the 115.9-
kilometer final stage to claim his first race victory since he
won the Tour of Spain two years ago.

Garmendia finished second overall, 31 seconds behind Heras,
and Perez was third to complete an all-Spanish podium.

The final stage was won by Dimitriy Fofonov of Kazakhstan who
outpaced Spain's Javier Pascual Rodriguez to win the sprint for
the line. -- Reuters

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Putbrief-track-USA
Jones captures 200m title
JP/11/BRIEF

Jones captures 200m title

PALO ALTO, California: Marion Jones retained her title and her
unbeaten streak in the 200m here Sunday, the final day of a US
Athletics Championships also highlighted by Gail Devers world-
leading 100m hurdles win.

Jones, who had already captured the 100m title, pulled away
late in the race to win the 200m in 22.35sec ahead of Kelly
White. Jones claimed her fifth straight national title at the
distance.

"My confidence is back, not that I ever lost it. But, without
a doubt, if you lose a race when you don't lose all that often,
it's bound to stir you up a bit, and I think it did last year,"
said Jones, who settled for silver in the 100m at the World
Championships last year. -- AFP

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Putbrief-tennis-ATP
Dutch delight as Schalken wins
JP/12/BRIEF

Dutch delight as Schalken wins in Hertogenbosch

HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands: Dutchman Sjeng Schalken fought
back from a set down to win his seventh professional title and
delight the home crowd at the US$400,000 ATP grass court
tournament here on Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who has won tournaments all over the world
but never in the Netherlands, looked to be in trouble against
fast-serving Frenchman Arnaud Clement as he dropped the first-set
3-6.

However, after a powerful display, he took the next 6-3, 6-2,
finishing on an ace, to take the plaudits from his fans.

"I'm overjoyed with this title, especially because it is in
the Netherlands. There is nothing like winning in your own
country," Schalken said. -- AFP

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Putbrief-superbike
Bayliss doubles up again
JP/11/BRIEF

Bayliss doubles up again

MISANO, San Marino: Australia's Troy Bayliss riding his Ducati
won both races at the eighth round of the world superbike
championship on Sunday.

It was the sixth time the world champion has achieved the feat
this year and he enjoys a 49-point lead in the standings ahead of
ex-champion Colin Edwards of the United States.

In sweltering heat, Edwards finished runner-up in both of
Sunday's races, losing out by around three seconds each time.

The Honda rider said: "I don't know what it is I have to do to
get the better of Troy but I'll never stop trying. We've got my
home round at Laguna Seca next and I'm planning on winning
there." -- Reuters