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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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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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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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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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