Futsal tournament opened

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's first futsal tournament was opened on Sunday by the chairman of the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), Agum Gumelar, at Bung Karno Indoor Stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

The tournament is being organized by the association in cooperation with fast-food restaurant chain McDonalds.

The qualifying round is being held in Simprug Sport Hall, South Jakarta, from March 24 to March 26. The quarterfinals and semifinals will take place in the Bung Karno Basketball Hall on April 1, while the final is to be held in the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium on April 19, in conjunction with PSSI's 71st anniversary.

Futsal is a five-a-side game of soccer originating from Uruguay played on a basketball-sized court either in indoor or outdoor without the use of sidewalls.

After the opening ceremony, the Yellow All Stars defeated the Blue All Stars 5-4 in an exhibition match that featured former Indonesian soccer stars.

Taking part in the game were Ricky Yakobi (left) of the Blue team, who is seen dribbling the ball while teammate Robi Binur (right) watches. Ricky scored a goal to seal a 5-4 victory for the Blue squad.

Nuriansyah scored the Yellow team's first goal and teammate Ashari Rangkuti netted two goals. The Blue team's Kristianto scored in the first half, and the Yellow team went into the break with a 3-1 lead.

In the second half, the Blue team cranked up its attack and was rewarded with goals by Rachmad Darman, Rus Muhidin and Herry Kiswanto, giving it a 4-3 lead. The lead, however, did not last long and the Yellow team's Elli Idris netted an equalizer. Ricky scored the decisive goal in the Blue team's win. (nvn)