Taufik and Martin win Sanyo Indonesia Open

JAKARTA (JP): Over 4,000 spectators at the men's single final of the US$150,000 Sanyo Indonesia Open jumped in jubilation as the linesman ruled Ong Ewe Hock's drive was out, which gave the victory to defending champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia on Sunday.

Ong stared in disbelief at the controversial call as he said he was sure the shuttlecock was in. Taufik crossed the net and hugged the Malaysian as comfort. Taufik, who won 15-5, 15-13, pocketed $12,000 in prize money, while Ong bagged $6,000.

Earlier, Danish world number one Camilla Martin grabbed the women's singles title in Sunday's final after eliminating Wang Chen of Hong Kong 11-9, 11-4. Martin earned $10,350 while Wang received $4,950.

Indonesia also took the men's doubles title after Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan defeated Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian 14- 17, 15-6, 15-8.

European shuttlers ruled in both women's doubles and mixed doubles.

Joanne Goode/Donna Kellogg of England bt Nicole van Hooren/Lotte Jonathans the Netherlands 7-15, 15-12, 15-10.

Ignoring his injury, 18-year-old Taufik, cheered by most girls at Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium, led 8-5 before earning the remaining points to conclude the first game 15-8.

In the second game, Ong led 7-4 before leading 8-6. Taufik, who was battling a cold, managed to take over 14-8 due to his leaping smashes and narrow netting. But he spoiled his match point chance when he made unforced errors to allow Ong to score 13-14.

A controversial call made by the linesman robbed Ong's chance to win the second game.

"I was really disappointed with the call. I think I had a chance to win the second game. It was 14-13 and anything could have happened. I could have forced a rubber set," said Ong in a soft tone, failing to hide his disappointment during the post- match conference.

"Some officials came to me apologizing for the linesman's mistake. I tried to protest but they said it was over. I had to accept the decision."

Taufik said, "I didn't really see if the shuttlecock was in or out. I was only looking at the linesman. It was impossible for me to annul the call."

Speaking on his dropping form in the second game, Taufik said "I rushed to finish the game and made so many unforced errors. Maybe I was also a bit shocked knowing that Ong tried to speed up his rhythm as he rarely attacked in the first game."

In the first game of the women's singles, Wang led 5-2 as Martin made many unforced errors in the beginning. But the match became tighter as both tied 6-6.

Martin, who has never reached a tournament's semifinals, began to put the shuttlecocks in blank areas and it was too difficult for Wang to reach. The Dane finally sealed the game 11-9.

In the second game, Martin's way to the title was made easier as Wang made many errors, especially at the net. Martin concluded the match 11-4.

"I'm very happy to win here because I didn't expect to go this far. Wang is a very good player but I think my physical health is much better than hers," said Martin, the girlfriend of world number one men's singles Peter Gade Christensen.

Wang said, "I'm surprised to see that Camilla has improved a lot."

Earlier on Sunday, Simon Archer and Joanne Goode of England defeated Michael Sogaard and Rikke Olsen of Denmark 15-13, 11-15, 15-4. The British pair brought home $9,150, while the Danish doubles took $6,000. (asa/yan)

Results:

Men's singles: Taufik Hidayat (Ina) bt Ong Ewe Hock (Mal) 15-5, 15-13

Women's singles: Camilla Martin (Den) bt Wang Chen (Hkg) 11-9, 11-4

Men's doubles: Candra Wijaya/Tony Gunawan (Ina) bt Flandy Limpele/Eng Hian (Ina) 154-17, 15-6, 15-8

Women's doubles: Joanne Goode/Donna Kellogg (Gbr) bt Nicole van Hooren/Lotte Jonathans (Ned) 7-15, 15-12, 15-10

Mixed doubles: Simon Archer/Joanne Goode (Gbr) bt Michael Sogaard/Rikke Olsen (Den) 15-13, 11-15, 15-4