Golds depend on women golfers

JAKARTA (JP): The host Jakarta will be relying on its national women's golfers to win the gold medals in the sport at the 14th National Games this September.

The quartet of Retno Mustari, Gunaningsih, Ani Iman and Titi Puryanti should face no stiff opposition in the team competition. They are also tipped to fight each other for the individual title.

The men's division looks to be a four-way rivalry, with North Sumatra, West Java and Bali having an equal chance of winning the two golds on offer. The three teams will bank on national as well as former national golfers such as Sukamdi, Suparno, Dedy Supriadi, Jemin Saputra and Sujiono.

Only 19 of the country's 27 provinces have qualified for the Games golf competition, which will be making its debut at the quadrennial sporting meet.

Jakarta, North Sumatra, Riau, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, East Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, West Java, East Java, Southeast Sulawesi and Bali will compete in the men's division. Jakarta, North Sumatra, South Sumatra, East Kalimantan, West Java, East Java, North Sulawesi and Bali have qualified for the women's event.

Each men's team comprises four golfers who will play 18 holes each day for four days. The team's score will be the aggregate of the best three golfers.

In the women's event, a team consists of three golfers who play in a three-day format. The best two scores of each team will be counted. (amd)