Indonesian men's gymnasts forced settle for bronze

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia failed to poach a gold medal in the men's artistic team on the opening day of a gymnastics competition, which was marred by a protest by the Thai team over refereeing.

The Indonesian team, which comprised of Jonathan Sianturi, Lulu Manurung, Sepri Haryadi, M Adilla Akbar, Abdul Razak Siri and Helmy Firmansyah had to settle with bronze after a group achievement of 197,100 points.

Malaysia, which relied on Loke Yik Sian, Ng Shu Wai, Ooi Wei Singa, M Irwan Miskob, Heng Wah Jing and Onn Kwang Tung, amassed the highest score, with 208.350 points to win gold, upsetting favorites Thailand.

The host team narrowly pipped Thailand by 0.25 points. The Thai team comprised Sattra Suwansa, Ravis Sampoonachot, Saran Suwansa, Aekaraj Changkroong and Peerapol Chouchirdtai.

The results proved to be dissatisfying for the Thais, who immediately approached the judges to protest. They were particularly unhappy with the scoring in the parallel bars, which gave them 33.8 points compared to Malaysia's 35.2.

Thai officials argued with the judges, but to no avail.

Thailand eventually accepted the results, after the protest caused a 15-minute delay to the medal presentation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Sri Hastuti Merdiko, an official of the Indonesian team, said that her proteges had not dreamt of winning the men's artistic gold given that the gymnasts -- except for Jonathan Sianturi -- lacked tournament experience.

She also praised the way the Malaysians performed.

"We must admit that the Malaysian gymnasts have been well prepared ever since the 1998 Commonwealth Games. They have been trained by top coaches from China, Russia and the former Soviet Union," said Hastuti, who is secretary general of the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (Persani).

Jonathan said that the team's performance was good, though, he added he was not satisfied with his own.

"I'm not satisfied with my performance, but I guess my friends showed quite a good challenge," said the Indonesian veteran, hinting he was aware about his much-wanted role in the team.

The gymnastics competition, which is being held at Putera Stadium, Bukit Jalil, offers a total of 20 golds -- 8 in the men's artistic, 6 in the women's artistic and 6 in the rhythmic division.

In the rhythmic division, Indonesia will field Yulianti Jumaiyah and Oh Ze Ching, who will compete in the competition on Sept. 14. (nvn)