Yogyakartan rider PON favorite

JAKARTA (JP): Irwan Ardiansyah, a rising star from Yogyakarta, is favorite to win the 14th National Games (PON) motocross competition. The event is scheduled to be held on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 in Serpong, West Java.

The race, sponsored by the tobacco giant Gudang Garam is one of the five exhibition events at the Games, slated from Sept. 9 to Sept. 20. The other four sports are rock climbing, roller skating, the Chinese martial art wushu and baseball. Thus far, 14 provinces have confirmed their participation in the motocross event.

Ardiansyah received a gold medal-winning boost when he won the fourth leg of the national championship series at the Serasan circuit, Muara Enim, South Sumatra, a week ago.

Championship leader Johny Pranata crashed out of the South Sumatran race and broke a leg. The injury has ruled him out of the National Games. (arf)