Thais tough to beat, RI volley coach predicts

JAKARTA (JP): The first aim of the Indonesian women's volleyball team is to beat Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam in the preliminary round of the tournament at the 19th SEA Games, their Japanese coach said.

"The first thing the players should do is beat Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam to enter the finals," Matsunaga said on Friday during practice at the Senayan Sports Hall.

Matsunaga, who is referred to as Mr. Naga, said technically, the players are ready to compete after taking part in a one-year training program.

He said that he has observed the strength of the other teams competing at the Games. "Thailand is difficult to beat because it has good players."

Only Laos is not competing in volleyball.

During Friday's training, Matsunaga was assisted by Robbi Meliala, Endri Oktavyantono and M. Nur Mufid. Training concentrated mainly on the variation of smashes and improving defense by blocking of three players.

Azizah of East Java, the most senior player, said that all opponents will be tough to beat. Azizah has played with the national team since 1984.

"With good preparation, teamwork and the country's confidence, we are optimistic we can enter the finals," Azizah said. She will become the team's motivator.

Indonesia's planned team will be Dwi Sri Iswaningsih, Fortina Maulina, Fenny Jumiati, Azizah, Jennifer Ririhena, Purwitosari, Puspo Tyas, Aminah Hidayati, Anna Manoppo, Lilien Lindawati, Puji Astuni, Elly Satrina and Maya Lumenta.

Canoeing

Indonesian canoeists are determined that they will grab all 12 gold medals at stake in the first final of the kayak competitions at Jatiluhur, West Java, today and tomorrow.

"We will take all the golds. We will not give the other countries a chance to win any of them," Basoeki, the Indonesian Rowing Association's chairman, said yesterday in Jatiluhur.

For the 12 golds in the kayak/canoeing 500 and 1,000 meters, Indonesia will face stiff challenges from Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.

Singapore, the Philippines and Laos are also ambitious to capture medals in the rowing events.

Basoeki said that the Indonesian team has practiced hard and showed no difficulty crossing the finish line.

"We must be careful of our opponents, particularly in the kayak events," Basoeki said. (lnt)