Swedish Lindskog takes lead in East Java Open

SURABAYA (JP): Stephen Lindskog of Sweden took the lead by one stroke despite his poor finishing of 2 over par-74 yesterday for a two-day total of 147 at the Ciputra Golf & Klub Keluarga here.

A late start, poor organization and the more than 180 participants at the opening round, which continued through yesterday, saw most pro golfers finishing the round when dusk settled on the splendid golf link.

Yesterday's round began after several groups finished their first round, which they were prevented from finishing Wednesday due to nightfall.

The far-hitting Lindskog, a Nigerian-born Swede who has lived in Indonesia for the last four years, went out with a 1-over 37 and returned home with identical 37 for a 74, one stroke poorer than his 73 on Wednesday.

"I do not complain of what went on on the course, which is marvelous. I just could not find my usual form.

"I missed my good showing when I won the Bali Open last May," Lindskog said.

In the Bali Open the Swedish golfer outdueled Kasiadi from Surabaya who beat him in the Bukit Darmo Club tournament in March.

Tournament favorite Kasiadi, who played both in the Sabah Masters and Singapore Open, two of the 27 legs in the Asian Omega Golf Tour, was second with 148 (70 78).

The 37-year-old Surabayan made golf history in Indonesia when he became the first player to win the Indonesian Open in 1989.

Veteran Gimin Suwiryo from Jakarta's Pondok Indah, however, stole some of the thunder yesterday as he was the only golfer to score sub par with a 71 for a two-day total of 148 (77 71) and joined Kasiadi and overnight leader Ilyasak from the Jakarta Golf Club, who yesterday made a poor 76.

Ciputra Golf & Klub Keluarga, located in the western part of the East Java provincial capital of Surabaya, is part of a sprawling housing complex developed by real estate tycoon Ciputra.

The Prasidha East Java Open is part of the many efforts by the golf club to help develop golf in Indonesia, especially East Java.

Families of golf club members can relax in Klub Keluarga adjacent to the golf course. (rsl)

Selected results 147 - Stephen Lindskog (Swe) 73 74 148 - Ilyasak (JGC) 72 76, Gimin Suwiryo (PI) 77 71, Kasiadi (YGC) 70 78 152 - Asep Capri (BSD) 73 79 153 - Jonathan Paser (GFC) 79 74 155 - Surisman (HGC) 75 80 156 - Kamim (JAGC) 75 81 157 - Douglas Wood (Aus) 76 81, Djafar By (BGC) 80 77 158 - Dede Idris (PCGC) 78 80, Engkun Cahyana (BGC) 82 76 160 - Bakri Makmur (SGB) 81 79, Benny Sugito (GRGC) 83 77