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)