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)