RI wins Asian Beach Volleyball Competition

Pariama Hutasoit and Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Seminyak, Bali

Indonesia's first men's pair, Agus Salim and Koko Prasetyo Darkuncoro, grabbed the first title of the fourth series of the Asia-Pacific Beach Volleyball Competition in a tight final match against Thailand's first pair, Thawip Thongkamnerd and Sataporn Sawangrueng, at Seminyak Beach here on Sunday afternoon.

The Indonesian pair had to work hard before they achieved a straight set victory 21-17, 23-21. The Thai duo, on the other hand, played well but were not able to match Agus and Koko who were on top form.

Both pairs had met on frequent occasions at various international competitions and will represent their respective countries at the upcoming Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, late next month.

Playing host, the Indonesian team received full support from hundreds of spectators, who packed the beach venue in Kuta.

Chairman of the Indonesian Sports Organization (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar and Bali's Vice governor I.G.K. Alit Putra also attended the finals.

In response to the results of the tournament, KONI chairman Wismoyo said the council would send two men's teams to the Asian Games.

"KONI will send two men's teams and one women's team to the Asian Games in Busan. But, we're thinking of sending another women's team there," Wismoyo said, as quoted by Antara.

Agus and Koko won US$3,000, while the Thai pair received $2,000. Indonesia's second pair, Supriadi and Andy Ardiansyah, won third place beating New Zealand's strong team, Kirk Pitman and Michael Hynds, 18-21, 21-19, 13-15.

The New Zealand team won the last -- third -- series of the Asia-Pacific Beach Ball Competition in China early this month.

In the women's competition, China's first pair, Han Bo and Sun Jin, won the first title and $3,000 in prize money, against Thailand's women pair, Rattaporn Arlaisuk and Manatsanan Pangka, 16-21, 21-17, 17-15. China unexpectedly beat Thailand, gold medal winners at the last Asian Games.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's three women's pairs all failed to reach the final.

Indonesia fielded three men's pairs and three women's pairs in the three-day competition.

Indonesia's Agus Salim and Chinese player Han Bao were given the award for best male and female player, respectively.