World Cup bowlers to be selected at nationals

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan

The Indonesian Bowling Association will use the 26th Soetopo Jananto Cup national championships, being held here from Friday until Sunday, to select competitors for the Bowling World Cup.

PBI chairman Soebagiyo officially opened the championships accompanied by North Sumatra's National Sports Council (KONI) deputy executive director, Bachtiar Sonar Siregar.

There are 81 participants at the championships from Jakarta, Riau, East Kalimantan, host North Sumatra, South Sumatra and West Sumatra. The championships are being held at Medan's Perisai Super Bowl.

East Kalimantan is the defending champion in the men's division and Jakarta holds the women's title.

The Bowling World Cup will take place in Pattaya, Thailand next month.

"North Sumatra has the opportunity to grab the title this time. They are accustomed to the venue as well as being the host," Jakarta team manager Yonni told reporters.

"We also expect challenges from East Kalimantan."

Jakarta will rely on its two Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian Games men's bowlers, Haki and Puti Armen. In the women's division, Jakarta is depending on veteran Poppy Tambies who grabbed the title in 1982, 1983, and 1996.

"We cannot field women's defending champion Sharon Adelina because she has to sit for an examination," said Yonni.

Meanwhile, East Kalimantan will rely on defending champion Ryan Lalisang, with North Sumatra placing high hopes on its 2000 junior champion Septi.