Indonesia gets another seat for Olympics' table tennis

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's table tennis player Ismu Harinto has joined compatriot Anton Suseno in qualifying for the men's doubles table tennis event at the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

Anton told reporters on Monday that the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) had confirmed that Ismu has qualified for the Olympics in the doubles event only.

"As I already qualified for the singles, ITTF is seeking another player in the doubles and picked Ismu and I as the last qualifiers," he said.

Anton finished 15th in the Asian Championships in Hong Kong in March, which also served as the Olympic qualifier. He is the only Southeast Asian player to qualify for the Olympics.

The partnership of Anton and Ismu finished eighth in the event, following China Taipei and Vietnam in sixth and seventh place.

"But none of the doubles from Taipei and Vietnam have qualified. I think that's the reason why ITTF picked Indonesia," he said.

Anton expressed hope that the National Sports Council (KONI) could support him financially to compete in the Brazilian Open in Rio de Janeiro from July 13 to July 16.

"We hoped to compete in the U.S. Open in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from July 6 to July 9 but due to the financial problems and registration confirmation, we finally decided on the Brazilian Open. Besides, it's the last tournament prior to the Olympics."

Anton and Ismu will need US$3,150 each to finance their trip.

"We have revised our budget and we hope KONI can help us. Right now I've got some help from actor Rano Karno," he said, declining to mention the figure.

Anton said that after the tournament he would possibly train at the Gudang Garam table tennis center in Kediri, East Java.

"It has the best and most complete facilities compared to other centers in the country." (yan)