Silver-medalist Indonesia sets new record in archery

Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Hanoi

Indonesia's male archers set up a new SEA Games record but ended up with a silver on the final day of the men's team archery competition at the National Sports Training Center in Hanoi on Friday.

Earlier, their female compatriots had to be content with a bronze behind Philippines and Malaysia.

Spearheaded by Kuswantoro, the Indonesian men' team scored a cumulative 245 points to pound minnow Laos in early stage. It was two points better the Indonesian team made during the last games in Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesia kept its winning form to beat Thailand 244-231 in the semifinal but failed to hang up against Malaysia in the final as it was defeated 232-236 in a nerve-wrecking match in which three players took turn in hitting the target in three rounds.

Idle teammates, who already completed their competition, gave their support to their respective teams.

Until two rounds were played, Indonesia was leading 160-157 when a bizarre incident involving Kuswantoro wrecked Indonesia'hopes.

Kuswantoro, who was aiming at the target in his third shot of the third round, had his arrow placed incorrectly on its "arrow rest" and decided to retreat to give way to Syafrudin Mawi to step in.

The Malaysian team, which featured its gold medalist Muhammad Marbawi, did not lose ground to reduce the gap. When Kuswantoro carried out his unfinished shot, Malaysia was leading at 236-227.

Kuswantoro hit a poor 5 to the disappointment of officials and supporters. Looking shocked, Kuswantoro threw himself seated with his pensive mood.

"We held the upper hands after two rounds. But a mistake, be it minor, spoilt the game," Donald Pandiangan said. The other Indonesian playing member was Permadi Sandra Wibowo while Lokonecko was rested.

Malaysian coach Lee Jae-hyung, who had a three-year stint before moving to Malaysia in 2000, said that the Indonesian tam had been favorites. "We played it out unperturbed by whatever result might be. The pressure was on Indonesia," he said.

Earlier, Rina Puspita Dewi, Rusena Galanteh and Suci Megasari, with the reserved team member of Eniwaty, took a bronze with 231- 222 victory in the playoff.

Philippines, which edged out Indonesia in the semifinals, beat Malaysia in the final to take gold.