Indonesia through to four Astra finals

Indonesia through to four Astra finals

JAKARTA (JP): The country's rising star Wynne Prakusya led
Indonesia to four final places, two singles and two doubles, in
the 10th Indonesia Astra International Junior Championships
at the Hilton Hotel tennis courts yesterday.

Wynne Prakusya cruised to the girls' final after beating
compatriot Eny Sulistyowati 6-2, 6-3 in 65 minutes.

The 16-year-old Wynne, who is a member of the country's Fed
Cup team, dominated the match with her backhand shots. Both
players rallied from the baselines but Eny made too many unforced
errors and let Wynne take control.

In the first set, Wynne and Eny fought hard to earn each
point. After the score reached 2-2, Wynne won service. She also
broke Eny's service to lead 4-2 and concluded the first set in 6-
2.

In the second set, Wynne led 2-0 before Eny began to crawl
back to equalize 2-2. But Eny spoiled her chance and let Wynne
lead 5-2.

Eny was able to earn another point before Wynne won the match
6-3.

"My strokes were not solid today. Since the beginning I always
missed the perfect time to hit the ball," Eny said.

Wynne expressed her dissatisfaction with her own performance.

"I made many unforced errors. I think I played worse than
yesterday," she said.

Wynne denied that she was burdened by public opinion that she
is the best among the juniors.

"I never burden myself during a match, it will only make me
nervous," she said.

Wynne will meet Veronika Koksova of the Czech Republic, who
defeated Chang Kyung-mi of South Korea 6-2, 6-4.

"I beat her last year at the Mercu Buana tournament here. I
hope I can overcome her again," Wynne said.

In the boys' singles, Febi Widhiyanto of Indonesia had to
stretch his muscles to eliminate second-seeded Jacco van der
Westhuizen of South Africa 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in one and a half hour.

"I was nervous in the first set," Febi said. "But in the
second set I played more patiently and I could win."

Febi made three double faults in the first set while van der
Westhuizen produced three aces.

In the second and third set, Febi took control of the ball and
forced his contender to make unforced errors.

Febi will challenge Davor Grgic of Croatia, who beat Pieter
Joubert of South Africa 6-4, 5-7, 6-4. Grgic defeated defending
champion Peter Handoyo of Indonesia in the semifinals.

"I've never met Grgic before but I've seen him playing. I hope
I can win tomorrow," Febi said.

In the boys' doubles, Febi/Hendri Susilo Pramono also had to
fight hard to beat Thailand's Danai Udomchoke/Attapol
Rithiwattanapong 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-2.

Second-seeded Febi/Hendri, who recently won the Malaysia and
Singapore International Junior Championships of the Asia tour,
will challenge Josef Nesticky (the Czech Republic)/Jurgen Melzer
(Austria).

Nesticky/Melzer upset first-seeded van der Westhuizen/Joubert
6-4, 6-4.

"We've never met Nesticky/Melzer. But we'll try our best
tomorrow," said Hendri.

Febi, Hendri and Mario Ronaldo will take part in the Thailand
International Junior Championship, which is also part of the Asia
Tour, tomorrow.

Today's final is scheduled to start at 9.00 a.m. (yan)