Maan ends title drought with Matoa Oopen

JAKARTA (JP): Maan Naasim ended his two-year title drought yesterday when he won the Matoa Open Golf Championship by four strokes with a 9-under par-279 (67 70 70 72) at Matoa Nasional Golf and Country Club.

"Yes, I'm a little bit happier after winning the event though it is a relatively small cash prize," said Maan, who bagged Rp13,095,000 (US$3,635) for the win.

For the last two years, Maan added, "I haven't won any major events at home. And playing abroad, I even never made the cut at the BMW International in Germany, and the Omega Tour events in Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore."

After making a good start with a 67 on the opening day, Tuesday, Maan, from the Sawangan golf club, failed to maintain his form and followed with 70 70 and then an even-par 72 (35 37) yesterday, consisting of two birdies and two bogeys.

Four strokes behind in second place was Ilyasaak from Jakarta Golf Club. He also carded a 72 (36 36) for a four-day aggregate of 283 (71 70 70 72).

Third was Indonesia's current leading golfer, Kasiadi, from Surabaya's Yani Golf Club, who amassed a total score of 284 (71 72 71 70).

Kasiadi, who together with Maan, is being sponsored by PT Satelindo to compete in five events in the Omega Tour series, is now rated the richest local golfer. He has so far collected some US$48,000 from the Tour.

Following his success Kasiadi was offered a sponsorship deal from Wilson, one of world's leading sports kit manufacturers. "I'm still thinking about it," he said.

In the amateur event, rising star Denny Supriadi won the title after a playoff at hole 17 against Sarmili. Each had finished on 290; Denny had hit 75 67 75 73 and Sarmili 76 71 72 68.

Most of the 20 pros in the fray in the final round yesterday and 10 selected amateurs will continue their hunt for top honors when they will play in the Teringbay Open at Batam island from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7.

The championships, which has been included in the Indonesia Golf Association calender of events, offers US$50,000 and $5,000 in the pro-am competition to be held on Nov. 8. (rsl)