GABSI hires foreign coach

JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Indonesian Bridge Association (GABSI), Brig. Gen. Wiranto, said yesterday that GABSI has hired world-class Canadian coach Erick Kokish at US$80,000 to improve the skills of the national team which performed very well during the Bridge Olympics in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the U.S..

Indonesia's world standing rocketed from 64th to 9th after unexpectedly beating defending champion the Netherlands 133-116 in the tournament completed last week, with the American host team eventually winning it all.

In the U.S. Cup Open Foursome, another tournament held in Albuquerque, Indonesia finished second behind the U.S..

GABSI's training director Roy Tirtaji said Kokish will prepare the recently returned home team for the Far East Bridge Federation Championship (FEBFC) in Perth, Australia, next year. Kokish will also train the junior team groomed for the World Championship in Bali in July next year, Roy added. (arf)