C. Java to send 17 swimmers to PON

SEMARANG (JP): Central Java is training 17 swimmers for the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya, East Java, from June 19 to June 30.

Coach Hartardi Nurtjahja said on Tuesday the provincial sports council had targeted four swimming gold medals at the Games. "We want to finish second after Jakarta; hopefully we can outclass Jakarta. The swimmers told me they are ready for the competition."

Hartardi said his team would face a tough challenge from the swimmers from Jakarta, West Java, Jambi and East Java.

"We have top women's swimmers in store to win gold, such as Audi Oktavian, Ati Yuliani and Meitri W. Pangestika. They are the backbones of the provincial team," he said. Ati and Meitri took part in the 1999 Southeast Asian Games in Brunei.

The two swimmers are expected to take gold in the 100 meter and 200m breaststroke, and the 50m and 100m freestyle and relay events.

On the men's side, Hartardi said Doni Utomo could contribute gold medals in the 100m breaststroke and freestyle events.(har)