Indonesia, Malaysia share golf glory

Indonesia, Malaysia share golf glory

KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Indonesia secured its first ever gold medal
in the women's golf event at the Southeast Asian Games on Sunday
with an 2-0 upset over defending champion Thailand.

Thailand's misery on the golf course continued as host
Malaysia upstaged it in the men's team final.

Indonesia took a 1-0 lead after Sitti Retno Purwandi defeated
Titiya Plucksataporn 1-up. Ani Iman wrapped it up early,
upsetting women's individual champion Onnarin Sattayabanphot 3-
and-2.

The Philippines had to win a playoff at the 18th hole for its
bronze after Malaysia's Koe Lai Yin beat Heidi Chua 2-and-1 but
Carmalette Villaroman kept the Philippines in contention by
beating Valerie Tan 1-up over 20 holes.

Unlike in the past, the golf team competition applied the
match-play format.

Indonesian women golfers have never won a gold at the SEA
Games since the inception of the sport in 1989.

"This is their (players) top performance since they were put
on a team for several regional events," a former Indonesia Golf
Association (PGI) top official told The Jakarta Post. "I think
they deserve the gold. And if they could keep their playing
rhythm they have a good chance at the next SEA Games," he said.

In the men's team final, Malaysia shut out Thailand in three
matches for the gold medal.

For Malaysia's men, Airil Rizman Zahari beat Ronnachai Jamnong
2-and-1, S. Sivachandhran beat Wisut Artjanawat 1-up and Shaasan
Hussin cruised past Prom Meesawat 4-and-3.

The Philippines won the bronze on victories by Juvic B.
Pagunsan, who won the individual men's gold by nine strokes last
Thursday, and Jesselito C. Saragoza against Indonesia.

Pagunsan beat Inam Zarems 4-and-3, and Saragoza defeated Indra
Hermawan 2-and-1. For Indonesia, Iin Setiwan beat the
Philippines' Jay E. Batron 2-and-1. (nvn/rsl)