Romana's Cup participation unclear

Romana's Cup participation unclear

JAKARTA (JP): Romana Tedjakusuma's indecision whether to join
the Federation Cup squad early next month has put the Indonesian
Tennis Association (Pelti) selectors in a quandary.

Romana, the country's second best player after Yayuk Basuki,
is on a scholarship at a university in Louisiana, the United
States. She said she wanted to join the squad but was waiting for
approval from both her university's coach and director.

Pelti chairman Sarwono Kusumaatmadja told The Jakarta Post
yesterday that Romana's absence should pose no problem as "there
are many substitutes." According to coach Wailan Walalangi, they
are: Liza Andriani, Wynne Prakusya, Enny Sulistyowati and
Agustine Limanto.

"So what if Romana can't play? Should we kidnap her?" retorted
the environment minister, who was savoring a bowl of noodles with
meatballs, but let his chopsticks slip out of his hands and fall
to the floor.

A similar response came from Eddy Katimansyah, who is in
charge of Pelti's foreign affairs. "If she can't play, so what?
Should we always rely on her?" the 69-year-old obstetrician
quipped.

Young birds

Eddy compared Pelti to a nest where young birds are hatched
and learn how to fly. "But, alas, after learning how to flutter,
they fly away."

Pelti secretary-general Zainal Abidin, however, told The Post
that Pelti is still waiting for Romana.

But the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) officer said that
Romana, even if she finally takes part, must first be bio-
rhythmically fit for the tournament.

This implies that if Romana joins the squad, there is no
guarantee that she will play. But Zainal denied that this was
what he really meant. He added that Romana ideally should be here
five weeks prior to the tournament for preparations.

Today, according to Eddy, the Association of Tennis
Professionals (ATP) is scheduled to tell Pelti its decision about
whether or not Indonesia will be allowed to continue staging the
Indonesia Open men's tournament.

The ATP is threatening to call off the Open due to poor
crowds. Last January the annual week-long championships saw 6,500
spectators last January instead of 17,500 required by ATP. (arf)