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)