Harimau team saves Indonesian face

Harimau team saves Indonesian face

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's seasoned players grouped in the Harimau team saved the country's face from further blushing when it won the World Invitational bridge tournament title by trouncing Canada 179-111 in the final yesterday.

Veteran Denny Sacul led Harimau's team of Franky Karwur, Sance Penelewen, Giovanni Watulingas, Taufik Asbi and Ong Keng Hien, played brilliantly after a fierce, four-day battle.

The win into the final included beating the 1993 Bermuda Bowl champion the Netherlands, which was ousted from the event in the early round.

Finishing third was Indonesia's second team Banteng, which garnered a total of 134 points. The host country fielded three teams in the event, attended by the World Bridge Federation president Jose Damiani. The third Indonesian team was Pattimura.

Damiani arrived in Bali on Saturday to attend the rest of the tournament and preside over the Victory Banquet scheduled for this evening, the Antara news agency reported.

The victory added to the boost they felt after their win in Perth last May before stepping in the Bermuda Bowl in Beijing in November.

In the Perth tournament, Indonesia qualified for the Beijing world championship.

Junior

Favorite Great Britain took a massive 132-66 lead over New Zealand after 32 boards in the final of the 5th World Junior Bridge Championship yesterday with 32 following deals and another 32 boards today. The Brits have the best chance of winning the trophy.

"I think the Brits deserve to win if everything goes on as planned," pundits and bridge quarters predicted.

In the playoff vying for third place Denmark led Canada 114-50 after 32 deals yesterday.

New Zealand turned the tables when it unexpectedly down-graded favorite Denmark and stopped the Danes from entering the finals battle on Saturday.