Fahmi falls in singles, advances in doubles

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Yusmawan Fahmi failed in the second round of the Extra Joss Men's Future 4 tournament singles event after bowing out to sixth seed Rik de Voest of South Africa 7-5, 2-6, 3-6 on Tuesday at the Kemayoran tennis center.

"I'm quite satisfied with the results, although I lost today because Rik played really well. I'm not really disappointed as I thought I played my best," said Fahmi.

Teammate Suwandi managed to reach the second round thanks to Robert Kendriks of the United States who had to bow out due to illness. Suwandi won 4-6, 6-2, 3-0.

Suwandi followed compatriots Hendri Susilo Pramono and Dede Suhendar Dinata. Hendri beat second seeded Per Tornadtsson of Sweden 6-3, 6-3 while Dede defeated Tasuku Iwami of Japan 6-3, 6- 3 on Monday.

In the doubles, Fahmi and partner Edo Bawono managed to reach the quarterfinals after defeating Tosihide Matsui and Yasufumi Yamamoto of Japan 6-4, 7-6 (7-2).

"I have never played well in the doubles and this is the first time I ever reached the second round. Hopefully, I can go further this time," said Fahmi.

Fahmi and Edo will challenge Marcel du Coudray of Mauritius and William Peter Meyer of South Africa, who upset top seeds de Voest and Johan Du Rant of South Africa 6-2, 6-3.

Unfortunately, another home doubles duo of Ferdi Fauzi and Eko Kurniawan had to make an early exit as they were defeated by fourth seeds of Alan Mackin of England and Luben Pampoulov of Austria 3-6, 4-6.

Wednesday's match will see local pairs Febi Widhiyanto and Hendri Susilo Pramono pitted against Danai Udomchoke and Ekkarin Pisuth Arnont of Thailand. While last week's tournament winners, Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo of Indonesia, will face Japanese duo Tetsuya Chaen and Akira Matsushita. (yan)