Senior bowlers question SEA Games team lineup

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)