Top seed Andrian to meet Paradon in tennis semifinal

By Primastuti Handayani

JAKARTA (JP): Top seeded Andrian Raturandang of Indonesia had an easy day at the office yesterday to set up a men's singles semifinal with Paradorn Srichaphan of Thailand, a repeat of the their match in the team event.

Andrian blanked Bryan Juino of the Philippines 6-0, 6-0.

Team manager Benny Mailili said Andrian was never in danger against Juino.

"The semifinal against Paradorn will be a good match to watch. If Andrian can be consistent like he was on Tuesday, he won't have any trouble in winning," he said.

Andrian beat Paradorn 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday.

Joseph Lizardo of the Philippines, who reached the final four by defeating Tran Duc Quynh of Vietnam 6-4, 6-4 yesterday, will meet either Suwandi of Indonesia or Selvam Veerasingam of Malaysia, who play their quarterfinal today.

Indonesia's third seeded Wynne Prakusya challenges top seeded Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand in today's women's singles semifinals.

"I have a 50-50 chance because I believe that if Liza could do it, why can't I?" Wynne said. "I will do my best."

She was referring to compatriot Liza Andriyani, who upset 37th ranked Tamarine in Tuesday's team final.

In the other semifinal, fourth seeded Indonesian Wukirasih Sawondari will meet Malaysian Khoo Chin Bee, who beat Maricris Fernandez of the Philippines 6-1, 6-3 yesterday.

Benny said: "If Tamarine plays like she did on Tuesday, I believe Wynne can beat her.

The National Sports Council set a target of two golds from the team events and three in the men's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles, the Indonesian Tennis Association wants their players to win all the top honors.

In the women's doubles semifinals, Indonesia has two pairs still in the hunt for gold. Irawati Moerid Iskandar/Wukirasih Sawondari made the semifinals after beating Marisue Jacutin/Maria Jennifer Saret of the Philippines 6-2, 5-7, 6-2.

They face top seeds Tamarine/Benjamas Sangaram.

In the other semifinal, second seeded Liza/Wynne, who beat Malaysia's Khoo/Tan Lynn Yin 6-3, 6-4 yesterday, will meet another Suvimol Duangchan/Marissa Niroj of Thailand.

"I hope we can steal another gold in the women's doubles as part of a clean sweep," Benny said. "I think Irawati/Wukirasih can beat Tamarine/Benjamas."