PSM maintains lead in national league

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion PSM Makassar maintained its top position in the eastern division after a narrow 1-0 win over Arema Malang in the last match of the first round of the Bank Mandiri national league at Gajayana stadium in Malang, East Java.

The 1999 league champion, Persebaya of Surabaya, trails in second place with only three points difference following its 6-0 drubbing of PSS Sleman at home on Sunday. PSM collects 32 points after 13 matches.

Jakarta-based Persija tops the western division with 26 points but is closely tailed by Persib Bandung with 25 points.

The league's second round was delayed for one month after some top league players were required to join the national team for the 2002 World Cup qualifying rounds. The first match will start on May 6.

PSM's only goal came from defender Alexander Pulalo who deflected a short right-hand pass from Miro Baldo Bento in the 44th minute, Antara reported.

In Surabaya, Persebaya's striker Andy Kapouw created a hat- trick after scoring in the 52nd, 68th, 87th minute respectively, while national player Uston Nawawi contributed two goals in the 36th and 59th minute and Rahel Tuasalamony produced another after 63 minutes of play.

Persebaya escaped a tough penalty from the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) after a peaceful match at the Gelora 10 Nopember here. PSSI warned earlier against moving Persebaya's next home match outside the city if Sunday's match ended chaotically.

In Padang, North Sumatra, Semen Padang broke into the top five of the western division after it outclassed Persikabo Bogor at Agus Salim stadium on Sunday.

Semen Padang concludes the first round in fourth position after Persija, Persib and PSMS Medan.

Ellie Aiboy opened their victory through a penalty in the 56th minute. Kusdianto extended the lead after 72 minutes of play and team captain Masykur Rauf sealed their victory during injury time.

In Pekanbaru, Alain Mbenda's header in the 42nd minute brought PSPS a 1-0 home victory over Persijatim of East Jakarta. (28/ivy)