Indonesia hopes to win Volvo World Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to win the third and fourth Southeast Asian league series of the 1997 Volvo World Cup Showjumping on the next two Sundays respectively at the Arthayasa Stables in Sawangan, Bogor.

Indonesian Equestrian Association official Suheryana, told a press conference yesterday that given the results of the first and second series in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesian riders would have a greater chance of winning the next series before their own public.

In the first and second series, Indonesia's Ardi Hapsoro Hamidjojo finished first with 37 points.

Compatriot Indra Rosendi, and Singaporean Peter Abisheganaden came equal second with 26 points.

International Equestrian Federation rules say that the first winner of each World Cup series will receive 20 points, second place will get 17 points and third 15 points.

"These championships will be the best opportunity to prepare our athletes for the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok," Suheryana said.

The third and fourth series, fought between 14 athletes and 20 horses, will take place on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28.

Indonesia will have the biggest contingent of seven riders and 12 horses while Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will each only send one rider. The Philippines will send two riders.

One American and one Swedish rider will also compete in the championship.

The new federation regulations say competitors may bring their own horses.

There are eight series in the league. The first and second place winners will have a chance to compete at the World Cup championship in Helsinki on April 15 and April 19, 1998.

Local organizers decided not to hold the third series at Ciater Riung Rangga stables and moved it to Arthayasa stables.

The fifth series will be in Bangkok on Nov. 30 and the sixth in Cha Am, Thailand on Dec. 12.

The final series will take place in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.

The organizers will also stage the Young Riders Championships during the World Cup championships. Each of the world cup championships offers US$25,000 in prize money.

Indonesia will send Ardi Hapsoro and Budi Tulodo to the Asian Championships in South Korea on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10. (yan)