Pelti's policy upsetting players
Pelti's policy upsetting players
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti)'s
refusal to register Benny Wijaya and Suwandi, the country's top
two men's tennis players, for the Indonesia Challenger Tennis
Tournament has caused disappointment among local tennis circles.
Indonesia's former number one player, Tintus A. Wibowo, said
he was "deeply disappointed" at learning of the refusal. Given
that the tournament is to be held here, it would be quite odd if
Pelti, instead of helping register them, forced them to register
themselves, Tintus said.
Both Benny and Suwandi have departed for Hiroshima to take
part in the Asian Games. At the Davis Cup World Group qualifier
which ended at Senayan last Sunday, Indonesia, represented by
Benny and Suwandi, fell 4-1 to Switzerland which fielded its
number two Jakob Hlasek and Barcelona Olympic gold medalist, Marc
Rosset.
The Challenger tournament will be held at the Jakarta Hilton
from Oct. 17 to 25, immediately after the conclusion of the Asian
Games.
The tournament offers cash prizes of US$50,000 to $75,000.
The owner of the Super Nugra tennis club, Martina Wijaya, also
expressed deep regret. "As a tennis fan and given that I myself
am a tennis player, I am very disappointed and even hurt at
Pelti's reply," Martina was quoted as saying by Suara Pembaruan
yesterday.
Martina, herself a top official of the Jakarta chapter of
Pelti, questioned whether the national association really cares
to help Indonesian players improve. Martina strongly hoped that
in the upcoming Pelti congress in December, Pelti's members would
elect executive directors who "were not selfish, but who really
care for the country's tennis development".
Furor
Meanwhile Pelti's secretary general, Eddy Katimansyah, when
asked to comment, told The Jakarta Post yesterday he was also
surprised to learn about the furor. Eddy said Pelti would have
certainly been glad to register them if they had been asked to.
Eddy said he did not know for sure whether Benny and Suwandi
had asked Pelti to register for them. "It might just be a lack of
communication," Eddy said, adding that if Benny and Suwandi had
forgotten to ask Pelti, then their coaches should at least have
reminded Pelti to register for them.
Actually, there are no rules which oblige Pelti to register
for them, Eddy said. And, since this tournament is for
professionals, if they want to be considered as professional
players, they should register for themselves, he added.
According to Eddy, the deadline for registration is now over.
The International Tennis Federation should have received their
registration yesterday by 7 a.m., he added. (arf)