Holders Persebaya off to easy start

SURABAYA: Reigning champion Persebaya Surabaya opened its campaign in the Liga Indonesia 2005 soccer league with a 5-1 thrashing of Petrokimia Putra on Saturday.

In front of thousands of fans at 10 November Stadium, the team's victory was powered by its South American players, starting with a goal in the opening minutes by Chilean Leonardo Gueterez, followed by one from Brazilian Danilo Fernando in the 34th minute.

Although Mulyani Hadi responded three minutes later with a goal for Petrokimia, Fabio Marcos converted a penalty just before half time to strengthen the lead. Rahel Tuasalomny quickly scored one past goalkeeper in the second half, and the win was sealed with another penalty conversion by Marcos.

In another match from the eastern division of the league, Persijap and Persmin fought to a goalless draw.

In the western division, PSDS beat Semen Padang 2-1, Sriwijaya FC lost 0-1 to Persikota and PSMS edged PSPS 3-2. -- JP