Yayuk says yes to Asian Games

Yayuk says yes to Asian Games

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top women's tennis player, Yayuk
Basuki, has ended speculation by announcing her intention to play
in the Asian Games in Bangkok next December.

The Yogykarta native made her intention known in a statement
received by the Indonesian Tennis Association Friday.

But she declined to compete in upcoming Fed Cup women's team
ties.

"Yayuk's intention is to take part in the Asian Games. With
her participation, we will prepare the formation of the team,"
Benny Mailili, the federation's spokesman, was quoted as saying
by Antara.

Yayuk reached 20th in the WTA rankings earlier this year, and
is currently ranked 21st. The only higher ranked Asian is Japan's
Ai Sugiyama at a place above her.

Benny said Yayuk wanted to give younger players a chance in
the Fed Cup.

"Yayuk has made the right decision not to play in the
Federation Cup. Yayuk also wants to prove that the young players
have the motivation to win."

He said the young players had shown the depth of their
potential by grabbing five gold medals in the 19th SEA Games here
in October.

Benny said Indonesia's toughest rivals in the Asian Games
would be South Korea, Japan and China.

"We don't know about their strengths, and only know that they
are not sending their best players."

Likely members of the Asian Games team will compete in a
singles tournament in Taiwan beginning Monday.

The men's lineup for Taiwan is Andrian Raturandang, Yusmawan
Fahmi, Bonit Wirawan and Sulistyo Wibowo, and the women are
represented by Wynne Prakusya, Eny Sulistyowati, Irawati M.
Iskandar and Wukirasih Sawondari. (lnt)