RI eyes Asiad volleyball quarters berth

RI eyes Asiad volleyball quarters berth

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to go no further than the
quarterfinals in the Asian Games men's volleyball competition due
to a tough draw, national team training director Suharsono said
on Tuesday.

The draw conducted last week put Indonesia in Group B along
with defending champion China, Qatar and Mongolia.

Suharsono predicted his team could reach the final eight by
finishing second behind China in the round-robin group matches
but would then probably meet either South Korea or Chinese Taipei
which are favored to head Group D.

The teams are divided into four groups, with the winners and
runners-up qualifying for the quarterfinals.

"We can beat Qatar and Mongolia to book a place in the
quarters, but South Korea and Chinese Taipei are very strong
teams," Suharsono said at the Sentul volleyball training camp
near Bogor, West Java.

Indonesia will be making its first appearance in the Asiad
volleyball tournament since 1986.

Asian Games host Thailand was placed in an easier group A with
India and Lebanon. The Thais should, on paper, top the group and,
with favorite Japan almost certain to win Group C, have a great
chance to reach the medal matches.

Group C also includes Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Despite the fact that its task, even to win a bronze, is a
near mission impossible, the Indonesian men's volleyball team is
being allowed to take part in the Asiad as a replacement for the
disgraced national soccer team.

Indonesia is serving an indefinite suspension from the Asian
Football Confederation for bringing Asian soccer into disrepute
during a bizarre match it played with Thailand in the Tiger Cup
early this month.

Suharsono said his squad would rely on Loudry Maspaitella,
Andry Widiatmoko, Eko Purnomo, Octavian, Robby Meliala and Risco
Herlambang.

Six back-up spikers will be selected next week.

The national volleyball team will leave the country on Oct. 24
for a two-week overseas stint in the Chinese towns of Chengdu,
Sichuan and Guangzhou.

Chinese coach Li Qiujiang said he suggested a stint in Japan
or the United States but the Indonesian Volleyball Federation
preferred China for financial reasons.

"The stint will reveal players' weaknesses, so that we can
improve them after returning home. Our biggest headache is the
lack of competitive spirit due to the 12-year absence from the
Asiad," the coach said.

Team captain Loudry, who joined the team on Sept. 1,
complained about the poor teamwork. "This is maybe because most
of the players are juniors. Us more senior players need to help
them build a well-knit team and improve their individual skills,"
he said. (yan)