Indonesia's women take three karate gold medals

By Sylvia Gratia Miranda

JAKARTA (JP): It was a golden day for Indonesia's female karate squad as they took top honors in three out of four women's events, one more than closest rival Vietnam.

In the two men's events, the hosts squared off in a two-team race with Malaysia in the 55 kg and below, and 60 kg and below.

In the women's individual kumite 53 kg and below, Sandra Aryani of Indonesia grabbed the gold by beating Lea Rodriguez of the Philippines in a tough battle. Bronzes went to Dang Hong Nung of Vietnam and Norsita Haji Umar of Malaysia.

Vietnamese karateka Pham Hong Ha beat Ng Chai Lin of Malaysia to win the gold in women's individual kumite, 48 kg and below. Indonesia's hope Nurosi N. shared the bronzes with Thin Thin Thu Zar of Myanmar.

Vietnam's second gold came in the women's individual kumite, 60 kg and above, through Tham Pham Hong, who beat compatriot Hakieu Trang. Bronzes went to the Philippines' Therese Nable and Indonesia's Meity J. Kaseger.

Indonesian Nilawati Daud beat Malaysian Premila Subramaniam in the women's individual kumite, 60 kg and below. Compatriot Lusyana Taroreh and Ni Ni Cho of Myanmar took the bronzes.

As on Thursday's opening day of karate, Indonesia and Malaysia were out in front amid a swirl of allegations about biased judging in favor of the home team.

Malaysian protests did not abate in Friday's competition.

An assistant Malaysian coach, Thi Ponanya, said there had been no improvement in the judging despite the objections of Malaysia and the Philippines.

The two countries had reportedly protested what they considered poor judging by the Japanese member of the panel.

The vice president of Malaysia Karate-do, Mohd. Noor Nordin, had termed the judging "controversial" and said his team was "saddened" by the performance of the judges and referees.

Malaysia grabbed a gold in the men's individual kumite, 55 kg and below, after Murali Tharan C. beat Walter Gozum of the Philippines. Indonesia's Isfan R. Tanjung and Pei Yan Shue of Singapore took the bronzes.

Indonesia captured its third gold after Arief Taufan beat Mawlid Zaeni Asjhad Zaeni of Malaysia, despite protests lodged by the latter's camp.

Mawlid's compatriot Puvaneswaran R. and Mahali Zumarali of Brunei shared the bronze.