Five nominated tennis body chief

JAKARTA (JP): Outgoing Indonesian Tennis Association chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja announced five candidates for the post he will relinquish in a congress which began on Thursday.

State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng tops the list, with businesspeople Martina Wijaya, Ponco Sutowo and Sugeng Sarjadi and gynecologist Eddy Katimansah trailing.

Sarwono said the candidates had all long been known for their dedication and interest in the sport. Ponco, Martina and Eddy have been senior association executives during Sarwono's five- year term.

The tennis body has introduced a rule that requires the five nominees to spell out to the congress their respective programs. The election for the 1998/2003 period will take place at the conclusion of the congress on Saturday.

Sarwono, who refused a second tenure, said he would throw his weight behind Tanri, hoping the former businessman would raise more funds than he did for the cash-strapped organization. (yan)