Japan ruins RI dream in men's beach volleyball

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Busan, South Korea

Indonesia's dream to get its first gold medal at the Busan 2002 Asian Games was shattered when its men's beach volleyball team lost to Japan on Haeundae beach on Friday.

Agus Salim (left, attempting a block) and Koko Prasetyo Darkuncoro of Indonesia 1 were defeated by the Japanese pair of Tatsuhiro Shiratori (right) and Satoshi Watanabe 29-27, 21-17.

Meanwhile, Indonesia 2 with Andi Ardiansyah and Supriadi failed to capitalize on a chance for a medal when they were defeated 14-21, 20-22 by China 1's Li Hua and Zhao Chicheng in the bronze medal match.

"I am disappointed with the result but the Japanese team was better than us," Agus said after the award ceremony.

This is the third straight Asiad that Indonesia has lost in the finals of beach volleyball, despite being one of the first Asian countries to play the sport.

Separately at the Geumjong Tennis Stadium, Indonesia's top seeded women's team was assured of at least another silver medal, cruising to the finals after beating host and 3rd seed South Korea 3-0, partly due to an injury suffered by Jeon Mi-ra while facing Wynne Adiati Prakusya in the first singles.

Coming from behind, Angelique "Angie" Widjaja added another point for Indonesia after defeating Cho Yoon Jeong 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 for a 2-0 team lead in the second singles.

Wynne and Angie then teamed up in the doubles to take the third point. The Indonesian girls lost the first set 3-6 before winning 7-6 (6-2), 6-1.

In Saturday's semifinals, Indonesia's women will face Japan, who defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0 in their semifinal match.

The Indonesian men's team, earned a ticket to the semifinals after defeating Chinese Taipei 2-1 in their quarterfinals match. In Saturday's semifinals, Indonesia will face hosts South Korea who defeated China 2-1.