Indonesian archery body not fired up by Athens challenge

Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta

The dismal performance of three Indonesian archers at the recent German grand prix augurs badly for their Olympic campaign, but the Indonesian Archery Association (Perpani) says it is not worried.

Rina Dewi Puspitasari and her male compatriot Kuswantoro both exited in the opening round of the German event, while Lockonecko did slightly better by reaching the second round.

"These archers have good talent, good skills and good ability, but they just don't have enough international experience. They have not participated in many tournaments because we don't have the funds," Arie Ariotedjo, Perpani's chief in charge of developmental affairs, told The Jakarta Post here on Tuesday.

The International Archery Grand Prix was held in Wyhl, Germany, from June 16 to June 20 and featured 128 archers from 34 countries.

Rina, ranked 20th in the qualifying round, was nipped in the first round 151-150 by Ukrainian Olena Sadovnycha, who ranked 45th in the qualification.

Kuswantoro lost in the opening round to Chen Wenyuan of China by a score of 160-159.

Lockonecko went through to the second round with a 162-160 win over Indian Majhi Sawaiyan, only to lose to another Indian, Satya Dev Prasad, 162-160.

With two of the same three archers to represent the country at the Olympic Games in Athens next August, Indonesia, which in 1988 won a silver medal in the women's category, could be facing grim prospects.

But Arie said Perpani was not overly concerned by their chances in Athens.

"Our target is the 2008 Olympic Games, not this year. However, we will strive to do our best in Athens," he said.

Rina has already secured a place on the Indonesian team for the Athens Olympics, while Perpani has yet to decide between Kuswantoro and Lockonecko for the other spot.

Given their performances in Germany, one would expect Lockonecko to be heading for Athens, but Arie said that scores were not the only factor in the decision.

"If we only took scores into consideration of course Locko would go, but we have other criteria as well. We need more time to decide between Locko and Kuswantoro," Arie said.

The three archers will complete their Olympic preparations by taking part in the final round of the grand prix in Turkey from July 15 to July 19.