Sweden's Lindskog takes early lead in Bali Open

By Robert Soelistyo

NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Nigerian-born Swede Stephen Atako Lindskog and Jakarta's Ilyasaak shared the early lead in the Bali Open Golf Championship by two strokes after each carded 3-under- par 69s at the Bali Golf and Country Club yesterday.

The Rp 60 million (US$23,000) four-day event was organized by the Udayana Military Command to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

Brigidaire General Syahrir W.S. opened the championship on behalf of commander Major General Rivai.

"We organize this tournament as part of our efforts to help develop golf in Bali in particular, and in Indonesia in general, because we understand that through this sport we can promote Indonesia and attract more tourists to visit," Rivai said.

The 31-year-old Ilyas from the Jakarta Golf Club opened his round yesterday with two fine birdies and a bogey on the front nine for a 1-under-par 35. The birdies came on the first and ninth holes while the bogey was on the third.

Going to the club house Ilyas fired two birdies in a row but posted two bogeys later.

The birdies came on the 10th and 11th holes and the bogeys on the 199-yard par-3 15th and the par-4 458-yard 16th.

He ended his round with a birdie on the 18th.

Lindskog, who has lived in Jakarta for four years, fired a birdie putt on hole number 10 and an eagle shot on the par-5 492- yard 11th hole.

The long-hitting Lidnskog, who turned 29 last Wednesday, landed his second shot in the bunker but played a perfect bunker shot from 15 meters with a sandwich 56 for an eagle.

"I think it was a good shot and a lucky one, because a good shot is usually followed by a lucky shot," Lindskog said.

But after another birdie on the 7th, Lindskog lost his concentration and recorded a double bogey on the 8th.

He erred by choosing a one-iron instead of a two-iron and his shot was long.

"It was indeed a fatal decision made by a pro golfer and I was sorry for making such decision," Lindskog said.

Local favorite Maan Naasim finished second with veteran Sumarno, each carding 71.

Maan, from Sawang golf club near Jakarta, ended 1-under par at 71.

Sumarno, who with his brother Suparman represented Indonesia in the 1984 World Cup at Pondok Indah Jakarta, also scored 71.

Kasiyadi, winner of Surabaya's Bukit Darmo Open where he beat Lindskog, Maan and Sumarno last March, played a poor round and had to settle for a 1-over 73.

"My putting was very poor," he said.

Kasiyadi became the first local golfer to win the Indonesia Open in 1989 when he scored an 11-under 269 at the Jakarta Golf Club.

Leading and selected results (Indonesian unless stated): 69 - Ilyasaak (JGC); Stephen Atako Lindskog (Swe) 71 - Maan Naasim (SWG); Sumarno 72 - Dede Idris (PCG); Burhan Bora (MGC) 73 - Kasiyadi (YGC); Acep Caprie (BSD); Bonin (SWG) 74 - Mario Siodina (Phi); Syafei Sobri (MNG); 76 - Benny Sugito (GSG); Gemmy Subagio (PIK).