RI aims to win PABF bridge meet

Moch. N. Kurniawan, Jakarta

Indonesia has set itself the target of winning the Pacific Asia Bridge Federation (PABF) championship to be staged in Chinese Taipei between July 10 and 18.

Indonesia, which triumphed last year, its 12th win in as many occasions, will head to this year's edition with four teams to compete in the open category.

The teams are North Sulawesi (Sulut), Indonesia-Japan, Pemuda Pancasila and Gunadharma.

North Sulawesi comprises Henky Lasut, Eddy Manoppo, Tommy Rogi, and Octa Wohon and Pemuda Pancasila consists of Bert Toar Polii, Memed Hendrawan, Taufik G. Asbi, Farley Sumual and Yappy Kojongian.

The Gunadharma team has yet to announce its players, while the Indonesia-Japan team is actually made up four nationalities -- Chieko Yamazaki of Japan; Alan Sia of Malaysia; Ming Hsuan-wu of Chinese Taipei; and Indonesians Santje Panelewen and Franky Karwur.

Indonesia will also send two women's teams. However, Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi) deputy secretary Bert Toar Polii said the women would be content to finish in the top three.

"(Indonesian open teams) will be competing hard against the host country, Chinese Taipei, in the tournament," Bert said on the sidelines of the Wiranto Cup here on Sunday, when asked about Indonesia's likely rivals.

Vita Lasut, Polii, Mita Angkouw, and Chintiha Manueke make up the North Sulawesi women's team, while Angelina Crockwell and Phoebe Lin of the Philippines will team up with Lusje Olha Bojoh, Joice Mandolang Tueje and Suci Amita Dewi for the Indonesia- Philippines team.

Bert said Gabsi had decided against sending a junior and senior team to the tournament due to a lack of funds.

The tournament will begin in a qualifying stage with the top eight teams in each category advancing to the finals in a round- robin competition.

Indonesia won the open, women's and junior competitions last year -- a qualifying field for the prestigious Bermuda Bowl.

Meanwhile, the inaugural Wiranto Cup concluded on Sunday with a team from North Sulawesi emerging as the winner in the open competition, with 146 points, followed by a Central Java team, with 128 points.

South Sumatra won the best women's team title while Gunadharma won best youth team.