Dony sweeps men's titles at Indonesia Masters

JAKARTA (JP): Donny Susetyo ended a long slump by sweeping two men's titles at the Indonesia Masters tennis championships yesterday.

Donny powered his way to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) victory over national number three Eddy Kusdaryanto for the men's singles crown in yesterday's final played at Hilton tennis courts. The 21-year-old Davis Cupper completed his winning day when partnering with Teddy Tanjung earned him the doubles title.

It was the first singles title of the year for Donny who has made three appearances in the season-ending tournament since 1990. Known for his up and down records, Donny showed a surprise performance when he edged out defending champion Suwandi in their last Group B round-robin match on Wednesday.

"Everybody knows me as a doubles player. Now I've proved I can do something better for my singles career," Donny said with his heavy Javanese accent. Donny won the Asian Games doubles bronze medal with Bonit Wiryawan and was part of the national team which took the men's team silver in the Asiad.

Dony did everything right during one and a half hours of play, blasting powerful serves and volleys, which left diminutive Eddy scrambling at his baseline.

Dony quickly raced to a 5-2 lead in the opening set after breaking Eddy's serve in the fourth game. In the second set Eddy slowed down his pace and forced a series of long, grueling rallies without giving Donny a chance to get close to the net.

Eddy's safe play paid off as Donny slumped into two broken serves in a row which cost him a 1-4 deficit. Donny, however, fought back to break Eddy's serve twice for a 5-5 tie. Donny kept up his charges, rolling over tired-looking Eddy in the tiebreak.

Eddy failed to get a consolation in the men's doubles. Pairing with Suwandi, Eddy gave up to a formidable tandem of Donny and Teddy Tanjung 5-7, 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (7-9).

Enny Sulistyowati handed Wukirasih Sawondari another upset when they resumed their rivalry for the women's singles crown. Enny outlasted Wukirasih 6-4, 1-6, 7-5 in a boring battle of lobs lasting almost three hours. Wukirasih, who fell to the same opponent in last January's Indonesia Junior Masters marathon final, could not avoid breaking into tears.

"This victory will give me a confidence booster for my Australian Open junior campaign early next year," an elated 14- year-old Enny said. She is now hoping to raise her world junior ranking of 70 to 50. Such better ranking will earn her a place in the main draw at the Wimbledon junior.

"I've been dreaming of playing at Wimbledon junior," she added. (amd)