Prima to play 15 tours abroad

SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Central Java chapter chairman Soekendro said on Saturday that the body supports its junior player Prima Simpatiaji to compete in 15 tournaments abroad.

"We will find sponsorships from several companies as part of our support to enable Prima to compete in tournaments in Asia, America, Australia and Europe," he said.

"We will also urge the National Sports Council to give a special allowance to promising athletes like Prima."

Prima stole the public's attention when he won the men's single event at the 2000 Central Java Governor Cup. He grabbed the title after defeating national players Hendri Susilo Pramono and Sebastian da Costa in the final and semifinals respectively.

Prima is being trained at the Diponegoro University tennis club. The club is also a base for other potential junior players like Yusmawan Fahmi, Ferza Gautama and Benny Siswanto. (har)