Yayuk says she will play in Atlanta Olympic Games

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian tennis queen Yayuk Basuki said that although she wanted to quit tennis by the end of this year she had no intention of withdrawing from the Olympic Games in Atlanta, which start on July 19.

Yayuk told The Jakarta Post and Kompas last night at the Gatot Subroto Army's Hospital that she would not withdraw from the Olympics on account of her mother's illness.

"The rumors are not true. I won't withdraw from the Olympics but it will be my last one," she said.

Yayuk's mother, Sutini Basuki, has been hospitalized for a week owing to a stomach illness. She arrived in Jakarta for a medical checkup before she started bleeding and admitted to the hospital.

"I want to leave for the Olympics on Wednesday instead of Monday," the 26-year-old Yayuk said.

Yayuk, world ranked 28th, qualified in singles and doubles for the Olympics with Romana Tedjakusuma. They are scheduled to fly to Atlanta on July 15.

Yayuk and Romana will be part of Indonesians taking on Switzerland in the Federation Cup here this weekend.

After arriving from her Wimbledon tour, Yayuk has not yet practiced with the rest of the Indonesian Fed Cup team members, which comprise of Romana, and juniors Liza Andriyani and Wynne Prakusya.

"I'll practice tomorrow because for the last two days I have spent my time here with my mother," she said.

Yayuk is scheduled to meet either Swiss team backbone Martina Hingis or its second singles Patty Schnyder in the singles matches on July 13 and 14.

Yayuk and Romana will also team up as Indonesia's doubles pair against Switzerland on Sunday. This will be the last opportunity to practice in competition before their Olympics.

Sutini said that although she will not be able to witness Yayuk's matches but she will watch them on TV to support her youngest daughter. (yan)