Games marks awakening of RI tennis squad
By Primastuti Handayani
JAKARTA (JP): The 19th SEA Games signaled the awakening of Indonesian tennis, as its young squad members displayed maturity beyond their years to claim five of seven golds.
"Awakening" was the word used by National Tennis Association chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, and was particularly fitting for the men's team gold.
After a 10-year wait, Indonesia reclaimed the men's team title, courtesy of a combination of young players and veterans -- Andrian Raturandang, Sulistyo Wibowo, Bonit Wiryawan and Suwandi.
Their countrywomen chalked up an even more impressive feat. Even without world number 20 Yayuk Basuki, teenagers Wynne Prakusya, Liza Andriyani and Wukirasih Sawondari, and relative old-timer Irawati Moerid, won a famous victory in the women's team event.
Yayuk had her commitments on the women's circuit, and the team entered the tournament as decided underdogs. Along with Irawati's pep talks, the fact that not much was expected of them seemed to inspire the team to superb performances.
The double team victories paved the way for upset wins in women's singles and men's and women's doubles.
Thailand had Tamarine Tanusagarn, currently 37th in the world. But Tamarine never lived up to her heavy advance billing.
The defending women's singles champion, Tamarine suffered her first upset at the hands of Liza in the team final. The Thai crashed to another shock loss to Wukirasih in the singles final.
The men's team triumph was the source of pride not only from the players, but also coach Wailan Walalangi, a member of the last Indonesian men's team to win gold in 1987 in Jakarta.
"The victory doubles my happiness as a player and a coach," he said.
The women's doubles of Wynne and Liza carved out another upset by beating top seeded Tamarine/Benjamas.
Unfortunately, the women's singles success was not followed by the men, as Suwandi and Andrian both lost in the semifinals.
Andrian, who opened Indonesia's victory in the men's team, lost for the first time to Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand, while Suwandi went down to Joseph Lizardo of the Philippines.
Paradorn won gold by defeating Lizardo in the final.
Indonesia's tennis training director, Benny Mailili, was disappointed with Suwandi's performance.
"We must realize that Suwandi does not perform well in a team event because of his personality. But if he plays in the individual event, he can play better," said Benny, inferring that the Bandung player may be left off the national squad in future.
Despite the lackluster showing by the player who was once Indonesia's best men's singles hope, the country's tennis contingent has every reason to be proud.
It succeeded winningly in its two objectives: to win gold medals, and groom the young players for tougher tests on the international tennis circuits.