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)