GABSI eyes runner-up position at Olympics

GABSI eyes runner-up position at Olympics

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Contract Bridge Association
(GABSI) is optimistic its athletes can retain the runner-up
position at the 11th Contract Bridge Olympics in Maastrict, the
Netherlands, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 9.

"As the silver medalists, we are sure that we can finish
second at the event this year," said player Hengky Lasut on
Friday in his hometown Manado, North Sulawesi. Indonesia bowed
out to France at the Olympics final.

Hengky, who partners with Eddy Manoppo, told Antara that the
team's formation this year was a little bit different compared to
the last Olympics at Rodos Island, Greece, in 1996.

The Indonesian team will comprise of Hengky and Eddy; Denny
Sacul and Frangky Karwur; and Sance Panelewen and Giovanny
Watulingas, who replaces Robert Tobing.

"We have a burden to retain the runner up position but with
good preparation and mounting motivation and optimism among the
team members, we can overcome it. Moreover, we have met our
rivals in many international tournaments in Europe, America and
Asia," Eddy said.

The team is also scheduled to compete in the United States
Open Contract Bridge Championships in Baltimore, Maryland in
November. (yan)