Unseeded George harasses Hariyanto at national c'ship

Unseeded George harasses Hariyanto at national c'ship

BANDUNG (JP): A relatively unknown player, George Rimarchdi,
defeated senior sportsman Hariyanto Arbi 8-15, 18-15, 15-2 in a
surprising upset to the men's singles final at the Ardath
National Badminton Championship here yesterday.

Hariyanto, who was seeded first, encountered no difficulties
in the first set with an easy 15-8 victory over the youngster.

In the second set, Hariyanto managed to take a 10-3 lead but
George did not give up easily, leveling the score 10-10.
Hariyanto, with his thundering smashes, pushed ahead to 13-10.

But George once again leveled the score 13-13. Taking an
additional five points and winning the match 18-15.

In the third set, Hariyanto practically floundered when
George, with a series of trading smashes and drop shots,
dominated the field, taking a 13-0 lead.

Hariyanto fought back but could only add two points. Hariyanto
grew weary and George used the opportunity to close the game at
15-2.

The victor, George, received Rp 5 million while Hariyanto took
home Rp 3 million.

The men's doubles was the most exciting game, with two senior
doubles players Candra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto and Ricky
Subagja/Rexy Mainaki going head to head in the tournament's
final.

Spectators at Bandung Main Hall were thrilled by the pace of
the men's doubles, with continuous applause and shouts echoing
through the hall.

Candra/Sigit and Ricky/Rexy met in the final of the men's
doubles event at the recent 19th SEA Games in Jakarta with
Candra/Sigit winning the gold.

And Candra/Sigit once again showed their world class ability,
outwitting Ricky/Rexy in straight set 15-12, 15-12.

In the mixed doubles, Trikus Haryanto/Zellin Resiana had to
struggle to win 18-15 against Bambang Suprianto/Etty Tantri in
the first set.

The second set was dominated by Trikus/Zellin and they had an
easy 15-8 victory.

Mia Audina was no match for Ellen Angelina in the women's
singles. Mia won 11-3, 12-9.

The women's doubles was a contest between top senior players
Eliza/Zelin and Indarti/Deyana. Eliza/Zelin won in straight set
17-14, 18-13.

In the junior class events, Hartawan of Jakarta won the men's
singles defeating Jimmy Pohan, also of Jakarta 15-9, 15-13.

Hanny Setiani of West Java won the women's singles beating her
colleague 11-5, 11-7. The men's doubles was taken out by
Donny/Denny of Jakarta who defeated Luluk Hadianto/M. Noor of
Central Java 15-10, 15-11.

Rossy/Yeni took the women's doubles title by beating Puspa
Dewi/Diah in rubber set 15-17, 11-15, 15-14. Denny/Rossy won the
mixed doubles title defeating Sodikin/Agnia NZ 15-12, 18-16.

The next national badminton championship will be held in
Central Java next year. It has yet to be decided which city in
Central Java will hold the 1998 badminton championship. (43/lnt)