Computer mistake takes away RI's gold

By Primastuti Handayani

DARWIN, Australia (JP): Indonesian gymnasts had to swallow a bitter pill at Arafura Games yesterday as they lost their team gold medal due to judge's miscalculation.

The judges announced that Indonesia won gold with 92.165 points, followed by Victoria with 92.140 and host Northern Territory with 91.691.

The Indonesia Raya anthem had been played at the Darwin High School arena and the red-and-white flag had been raised but the medals were taken away.

Apparently, the judges inserted the wrong score from the floor exercise to the computer and the machine miscalculated them.

"It happens to be a calculation mistake. We had the wrong score from the floor exercise," judge Helen Ilcock said.

"We're really sorry for the mistake," she said.

Eliningsih, Sherly Novitasari, Nurfiana Akhmadi and Helda Sulistina could not hide their disappointment. They just shook their heads as they headed back to the hotel.

Indonesia's Russian coach Ioury Kouznetsov said he did not expect his athletes to win the gold at the first place.

"Their performance was not very good. We've been here for three days and I think they could do better," he said.

Kouznetsov cheered the girls, saying "You're doing good. We still have tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. You can improve your performance."

Indonesian gymnasts made many faults in their performances yesterday and seemed surprised when they won.

"I was not satisfied with today's results. Perhaps, because we had higher difficulty score than other teams, we could win," he said before losing the medal.

Kouznetsov said despite the mistake, the athletes could learn from the biennial event.

"Helda and Eli have little experience in international events. It's really a big step in their career as we aim for the SEA Games," he said.

"By competing in this event, they will have increased their confidence because this is the only tryout for the Games," he said.

Other results

Indonesia's sepak takraw team of Baharuddin, Eddy Suwarno and Rasiwan took the bronze medal after beating Kedah 7-15, 15-6, 6-1 yesterday at the Marrara Indoor Stadium.

Earlier yesterday, Indonesia lost to Kuala Lumpur Police team 11-15, 15-10, 2-6.

"We're a little bit disappointed because our target was to reach the final. But it was a good warm up for the SEA Games," said coach Ramli.

"I think we were more relaxed in the second match than the first," Eddy said.

Indonesia's men's softball team crashed the Australian Defense Forces 20-0 in four innings in the first match. Hardi Purnama hit two home runs, while teammate Iwan Pujiarto hit another one.

The match was uninteresting as the Australians could not match the national team's performance.

The men's team showed off its skills again in the second match by beating the Northern Mariana Islands 3-2 to cruise into the semifinals.

The team will face Brunei Darussalam in Friday's final.

The women's team beat host Northern Territory 9-5 at the Garden Ovals. The Indonesians will play the Northern Territory in the semifinals Friday.

Indonesia's second and third string shuttlers cruised to the next round at the Nightcliff High School Arena.

Men's singles Nunung Subandoro beat Brunei's Huzaini Md Saleh 15-7, 15-9 while teammate Hendrawan beat Australia's Ben Lee 15- 4, 15-3.

Women's singles Lydia Djaelawidjaja won against Australia's Kirrily Bryant 11-2, 11-1.

Women's doubles pair Yuli Marfuah/Lydia beat Nauru's Rayna Dabwedo/Kylinne Willis 15-1, 15-1, and compatriots Nonong DZ/Carmelita beat Singapore's Zarina Abdullah/Chin Yin Peng 15-9, 15-1.

Mixed doubles pair Rudy Wijaya/Carmelita defeated Nauru's Paner Baguga/Rayna Dabwedo 15-3, 15-1 and teammates Seng Kok Keong/Nonong beat Malaysia's Tan Siew Aik/Chaw Kit San 15-1, 15- 2.

"Our rivals did not have the same quality as our players. The strongest contenders are Chinese shuttlers," coach Khoe Mei Hwa said.

National boxer La Atta lost to New Zealand's Emmett Gratewell 2-3, while compatriot Meckson Baratama won when the referee stopped the fight in the fourth round.

Damianus, Meckson, Will Pare and Deddy Mikaso will fight in today's semifinals.