S. Korean champ nips local stars

JAKARTA (JP): South Korean basketball league champion KIA Motors warded off a stiff challenge from local stars for a lackluster 66-60 win in a friendly match at the Senayan Basketball Hall on Tuesday.

Even with their height advantage, the South Koreans were forced to stretch in the first half. They managed only a two- point gap at 36-34 before the break.

However, the make-shift team combining three of Jakarta's basketball premier league sides could not match the sharp- shooting South Korean giants in the second 30 minutes. South Korea's national players Han Ki-bum and Kim Yo-tak did a flawless vanguard job, setting up relentless scoring chances below Jakarta's ring.

The Jakarta team, made up of players from Indonesia Muda, Pelita Jaya and league leader Asia Pacific, forced a tie at 36-36 a few seconds after the break. The mighty KIA Motors team then increased the pressure to leave their local opponents trailing for the rest of the game.

Only 100 people turned out to watch the international friendly match.

The South Koreans have made to trip to Indonesia in the wake of their successful league campaign. "The Indonesian tour is a special gift for them," a South Korean interpreter, Park Hido, said.

KIA Motors is scheduled to meet the Indonesian team groomed for the 18th Southeast Asian Games on Saturday. (amd)