Febi, Suwandi closer to meeting in final
Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Reigning champion Febi Widhiyanto and top seed Suwandi got closer to meeting in the Rp 60 million (US$5,890) Cigna Open final after both won their quarterfinal matches at the Hilton Executive Club Hardcourts here on Friday.
Febi defeated Tjahjono 6-0, 6-3, while Suwandi lost only two games in his 6-2, 6-0 win over Andery S. in fine weather on the fourth day of the tournament.
But Febi will have to get past his doubles partner Hendri Susilo before booking a likely match against Suwandi. Hendri reached the semifinals after beating Suhendar Dinata 6-3, 6-2.
Suwandi has to beat Prima Simpati Aji to reach the final. Prima needed three sets 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 to overcome former national player Bonit Wiryawan.
Febi and Hendri will be hoping for two tournament trophies after they managed to take a semifinals place in the men's doubles.
Unlike the previous days where rain persistently interrupted play, it was clear on Wednesday and play was carried out according to schedule.
In the women's singles, Diana continued her elimination of seeded players, the latest victim being Septi Mended, ranked eighth in the tournament.
Diana was forced to fight hard, but only in the first set when she was forced to a tie-break. The second set saw Septi run out of steam after her exhausting match with Sandy Gumulya the day before.
Diana is typically reserved in accounts of her game. "Septi might be a bit lethargic after the game with Sandy," she only said.
She is now braced for a real game when she takes on second seed Liza Andriyani, who beat third seed Eny Sulistiowati 6-3, 7- 5.
Diana was beaten by Liza in their previous two meetings. Asked if she was eager to reduce the gap, she only said: "I hope so."
Meanwhile, Liza refused to take her junior lightly. "She is improving rapidly. She is consistent with her play," she said.
The two opponents already warmed up going into the next final to be held on Sunday, as Liza/ Wukirasih Sawondari beat Diana/ Eny Sulistiowati 6-1, 6-4 in the women's doubles semifinal round.
Liza and Wukirasih will be challenged by Irawati Moerid/ Mima Chernovita, the 6-3, 6-1 winner over Dian Anggraini/ Mudarwati, in the final on Saturday.
In the men's doubles, the pairing of Edy Kusdaryanto and Ferdy Fauzi produced an upset win over Suwandi/ Bonit Wiryawan, 3-6, 6- 3, 7-6(7/5).
They will face Ferza Gautama/ Johan Samawi in the semifinals. Ferza/ Johan defeated Andery Setyawanto/Ariawan Poerbo 3-6, 6-2, 6-4.
The other semifinals match will pit Febi/ Hendry against Sebastian Dacosta/ Surya Wijaya, the 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 winner over Nesa Artha/ Prima Simpati Aji.