Host and West Java share golds in fencing

Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Palembang

Palembang's fencers lived up to expectations by winning the men's team saber while West Java proved the best in the women's team foil at the National Games here on Tuesday.

At the other end, North Sulawesi, which had nurtured hopes of winning two golds, ended up with just two silvers.

South Sumatra, which comprised Rully Mauliadhani, Rizki Pradhani, M. Degen Harsanto, Agista Andhani, was too strong for North Sulawesi in the men's saber, cruising to a 45-34 victory.

Not only did the win send the home fans into state of rapturous delirium, but the achievement relieved the team's coach, who had looked tense during the final.

"Thank God, we made it at last. We had such high expectations to win gold in this category," Lukman Ahmady, South Sumatra fencing coach, told reporters after the matches.

North Sulawesi fielded a team of Begin Wondal, Refly Hendra Tareg, Olvi Rumuat and Vicky Binalay.

West Java took the bronze after defeating Jakarta 45-31 in the playoff.

In the women's foil final, Paulany Ratu, who has been the regular member of the national squad failed to inspire teammates as North Sulawesi squandered leads to lose to West Java.

They led 5-0 and 10-4 in the first two matches, before crashing out 45-34.

Apart from Paulany, Meilani Lelembing, Mona Ratu and Cyndy Songkilawan are still young and inexperienced.

The West Java team consisted of Nova Mariana, Christine M. Timisela, Candraeni and Laelawati.

Coach Iwan Kartiwan said that he felt worried when his team was behind 10-4.

"We salute the players for their resilience. They did not lose hope when they were behind," he said.

"They deserve the win because North Sulawesi only has one experienced fencer, while the other three are young," he said.

His North Sulawesi counterpart Wellem Tarega looked disappointed but said he was satisfied with the silver given that the majority of team members did not have much experience.

East Java took the bronze by edging out Aceh 45-29.

On Wednesday, the fencing competition will feature two finals, one in the men's team foil and one in the women's team epee.