Senior bowlers question SEA Games team lineup

JAKARTA (JP): Three senior women's 10-pin bowlers questioned the Indonesian Bowling Association (PBI)'s decision in picking members of the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad, pointing to the inexperience of the players selected.

Happy Ari Dewanti Soediyono, Poppy Tambies and Sri Mulyani Ruzgar met SEA Games training director Kusnan Ismukanto on Wednesday about the matter but none of them were willing to comment.

"There is nothing to say, really. We were just having a discussion with Pak Kusnan," said Happy, trying to avoid reporters.

Outspoken Kusnan told reporters: "The bowlers said the national team had yet to reach a high enough standard to compete with their opponents in the Games, especially as regards their average points."

"They also submitted a document concerning the team members' average points. They suggested that efforts be made to improve the team so that even better results could be achieved.

"But I can't make any decision now before asking the opinion of bowling's project manager, David Sitorus."

Kusnan also emphasized that he could not take up a position before hearing from both sides.

"David was told to submit his side of the story on Thursday. I can't make any decision now. I'll have a meeting with other SEA Games officials once I receive the report."

"The main thing is, I always rely on their achievements. I believe an open selection is the best way to form a team. At least we can set up an invitational event."

The PBI is aiming to grab three of the 12 golds on offer at the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 Games. National bowlers failed to achieve their target of two golds during the 1999 Games in Brunei Darussalam and had to be happy with two bronzes.

Malaysia topped the biennial event by romping home with eight golds followed by Singapore with two golds and Thailand with one gold.

"Actually, I can understand their concerns, especially since our opponents in the SEA Games are already world bowling powerhouses. So participating in the SEA Games is similar to taking part in the World Championships," said Kusnan.

"But perhaps David has his own reasons for naming the team members. We'll have to wait for his report."

David was unavailable for comment. (nvn)