Yulianti upset in All-Star tournament

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Top national women's player Yulianti Fauziah of the Surya Kediri club in East Java unexpectedly fell to teammate Nilasari 21-17, 12-21, 20-22, in the All-Star table tennis tournament at Ngurah Rai Stadium on Friday.

The country's second-ranked women's player, Santi of the Surya club, also crashed out, losing to Nuni Sugiani of Bandung's Gani Arta club 15-21, 11-21.

National number three Christine Feliana of Surya narrowly defeated veteran player Rossy Dipoyanti of the Indonesian Table Tennis Association (PTMSI)'s West Java chapter 24-22, 21-18.

Surya's Putri Hasibuan, ranked fourth in the nation, also had a close call, eking by teammate Ratna 15-21, 21-15, 21-17.

On the men's side, the top players cruised into Saturday's semifinals.

National number one Ismu Harinto of Gani Arta tamed Reno of the Surya club 21-19, 11-21, 21-18 in a very tough match. Fourth- seed Yon Mardiono of Surya had to work hard to eliminate Budiono of Gani Arta 21-18, 11-21, 26-24.

Surya's other top player, Deddy Da Costa, won in convincing fashion over teammate Kukun. Former national champion Hadiyudo Prayitno of HCIYS-Supralon in Surabaya posted a comfortable 21- 10, 21-12 victory over Jajat of Gani Arta.

The Surya club looks set to dominate the first All-Star tournament, with three women and two men in the semifinals. The semifinals and finals will take place on Saturday.

The All-Star tournament runs from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10 and features 30 men's and 20 women's players from 15 clubs. The tournament offers total prize money of Rp 35 million (US$3,684). (zen)