Games marks awakening of RI tennis squad
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.