Tedjakusuma will lead the 2009 campaign along with two young girls

Surabaya born Romana Tedjakusuma will start her 2009 pro tour in Boca Raton, Florida as she is listed as number 9 in qualifying round as at December 31, 2008. Tedjakusuma ended her ranking at 360, while Sandy Gumulya at WTA 296. In this 25K tourney, the surface is going to be on clay and it is indeed quite challenging for the players. Top seed is American Angela Haynes (WTA 139) and the main draw will begin on January 12, 2009. Tedjakusuma will continue on to play at Lutz, Florida - another 25K tourney and it will be played on clay also. She is listed as number 18 in qualifying round as per December 30, 2008. Haynes is still the top seed in this tournament which will start on January 19, 2009.

In girls' category, updates have been released as at today - December 31, 2008 for all three tournaments in Australia. At Traralgon ITF grade 1, Beatrice Gumulya is number 9 in the main draw, while her compatriot Grace Sari Ysidora has moved up to number 37 also in the main draw. In Nottinghill ITF Grade 1, Gumulya is now number 12 in the main draw, while Ysidora has jumped to number 5 in qualifying round. At the prestigious Aussie Open Grand Slam, Gumulya is number 16 of the main draw list and last but not least, Ysidora has slightly climbed-up to number 14 in qualifying round.

In the meantime, two other junior players David Agung Susanto and Nadia Frederika withdrew from all three tournaments as per December 26, 2008 with undisclosed personal reasons.

Nut so Delhi-cious after all to end 2008

First expected news came from numero uno of Indonesia, Sandy Gumulya who was at WTA 292 when she withdrew from Women's Challenger in New Delhi, India on December 16, 2008. In the semi-final of recent "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters" she retired in the second set when she played against Lavinia Tananta and told the reporters that she felt like she was "flying". Gumulya who is now at WTA 294 as at December 22, 2008 had to pull out from the main draw at Delhi 50K due to possible typhoid. Based on the latest information, older sister of Beatrice Gumulya will focus only on her training as preparation for Fed Cup qualifying of Asia Oceania Group I in Perth, Australia from February 4-7, 2009.

Meanwhile, despite Gumulya's withdrawal, two other players from "Big Mama" camp were playing the qualifying round at R K Khanna Stadium. They were fifth seed Lavinia Tananta and sixth seed Ayu Fani Damayanti. In the first round of qualifying, the winner of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters" and is currently ranked at WTA 581, crushed a local wild card Sadhana Athreya 6-0, 6-0. While Damayanti (now at WTA 589) dispatched Kumari-Sweta Solanki of India 6-1, 6-2. In the second round of qualifying, Tananta bowed out to 17 years old Slovak Romana Tabakova (currently at WTA 703) 2-6, 4-6. Damayanti kept her winning match by defeating local player Vishakha Sheoran 6-0, 6-0. In the final qualifying, Damayanti lost to 16 years old and second seed Ganna Piven of Ukraine (currently at WTA 530) 3-6, 2-6.

Slovak prodigy Tabakova grabbed her maiden title in pro circuit at Ilawa, Poland 10K last August. Eventually this Slovak cruised into the main draw of Delhi 50K as she won over fourth seed Margarita Edinarova of Russia 6-3, 6-0 in the final qualifying. In her first 50K in Barnstaple, Great Britain last October, Tabakova was beaten by 28 years old German Sabine Klaschka in the final qualifying. Klaschka had her highest career ranking at WTA 133 in 2005. As an active junior player, Tabakova is now ranked ITF 47 and she had an impressive run at Wimbledon 2008 when as qualifier she ended-up in the semi-final after losing to the eventual winner, Laura Robson of Great Britain. Earlier in the season, at Nottinghill Grade 1 in Australia, Tabakova outclassed Indonesian Jessy Rompies 6-3, 6-2 in the round of 32.

In doubles, duo Damayanti/Tananta made an early exit after they were ousted by Piven and Anastasiya Vasylyeva both from Ukraine 4-6, 1-6 in the first round.

Photo of Tabakova is courtesy of Stephane Martinache

Picture of Tananta is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setyadi

Four Indonesians are gearing-up for Australian Summer Circuit

The official entry list of Australian Summer Circuit was released on December 18, 2008 at 5 pm local time in Melbourne. In the first Grade 1 tourney known as "Loy Yang Power Traralgon Junior ITF International" - Beatrice Gumulya is number 9 in the girls' main draw while Grace Sari Ysidora is number 39 out of total 48 direct acceptance. In the mean time, Nadia Frederika is qualifying # 6. In the boys' main draw, David Agung Susanto is barely listed as number 47 out of total 48 entrants. This first warm-up tourney for Aussie Open will begin on January 9, 2009 in Traralgon, Victoria.

The second warm-up Grade 1 tourney is entitled "Optus Nottinghill Junior ITF International" and only Gumulya is eligible in the girls' main draw at number 14. Ysidora is listed as number 9 in qualifying round, while Frederika is still alternate number 4. The only boy Susanto is at number 12 in qualifying round. The main draw of this tourney will start on January 16, 2009 in Nottinghill, Victoria.

And the moment of truth, the first grand slam of the new season or "Australian Open Junior Championships" is not much different parade of players as Gumulya is number 17 in the girls' main draw. Ysidora is number 17 in qualifying, while Frederika is still alternate number 13. Last but not least, Susanto is number 17 in the boys' qualifying list. The main draw will not be played until January 25, 2009.

The newly crowned Junior World Champion by ITF, currently world numero uno Noppawan "Nok" Lertcheewakarn of Thailand is placed as top seed in all these three tournaments. She became the first Asian ever to receive such top honour. Lertcheewakarn finished at 2008 Wimby as runner-up and won doubles' title at 2008 US Open with Sweden's Sandra Roma.

For the boys, Yang Tsung-Hua also got the same crown and the first ever Asian player to get this honor. Yang clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking at last week’s Junior Orange Bowl, the final tournament of the season. The 17-year-old from Chinese Taipei captured his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, and was also a finalist at the Australian Open and semifinalist at the US Open. Yang also captured two Grand Slam doubles titles with countryman Hsieh Cheng-Peng, at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He finished the season with a 20-7 record in singles and 25-6 in doubles. Yang is not competing in this upcoming Aussie summer circuit.

Photo of Gumulya is courtesy of indotennis.com

Photo of Ysidora is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setyadi

Towering Davenport is out of Blue Aussie Open due to second pregnancy

Many loyal fans of former world No 1 Lindsay Davenport must be patient to witness her on the tour again as she has pulled out of the Australian Open after discovering she is pregnant with her second child.

Australian Open officials had conveyed last week that Davenport, who won the last of her three Grand Slam singles titles at Melbourne in 2000, would play in this year's tournament which begins on January 19.

Quoting what Davenport said in a statement, "Of course this unexpected but exciting surprise now means I will be putting tennis on hold for the foreseeable future."

Davenport made strong and impressive return after giving birth of her first son Jagger and post-natal period of exactly one year, only in her first tourney after such hiatus, this Palos Verdes born won Bali in September 2007 by beating Daniela Hantuchova. Then she went on to reach semi-final at Beijing and grabbed another title in Quebec.

This season, Davenport played only 8 tourneys including three grand slams and she began her campaign with a title in Auckland. She demonstrated her competitiveness with another title in Memphis. In grand slams, Davenport finished round of 64 in Australian Open and Wimby, while at home in the Big Apple's US Open, she ended in round of 32. We will miss you, Lindsay yet we are happy for you with such wonderful news!

Photos of Davenport are courtesy of commbanktennis.com

Nadia Ravita paid the price of defeat at Prince Cup

The only Indonesian qualified into the main draw from qualifying round, Nadia Ravita gave her fighting attitude against Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus in the second round or round of 32. Sasnovich played better than Ravita in important moments and she showed her mental toughness to win 6-4, 2-6, 6-2. During the match, Ravita experienced leg strain or injury precaution. Indeed it is really tough field and competition as the draw is 64 same as Grand Slam tourneys.

Ravita is actually partnered with Japanese Sanae Ota and they were scheduled to play the opening round against Mara Schmidt/Jaime Yapp Shing from USA. Ravita was prohibited by the tourney's doctor to play doubles due to leg strain and if she insisted to play the match then she will have much worst injury. Thus the American pair, Schmidt/Yapp Shing did not play at all though Ota/Ravita and them were present on the court then Ravita called a quit and retired.

Back in 1998 winner of girls' singles here at Prince Cup was Belgian Kim Clijsters who dispatched Venezuelan Milagros Sequera 6-7, 6-3, 6-1.

Picture of Sequera is courtesy of tourney website

Nadia Ravita romped into round of 32 at Prince Cup

Jakarta resident Nadia Ravita began her single's campaign with a first round victory over Japanese Maiko Yamashita 6-3, 6-0 at "Prince Cup", an ITF Grade 4 tourney took place at Miccosukee Golf & Country Club in Miami, Florida. Both players are 14 years old but Ravita is only 2 days older than Yamashita. They made it into the main draw after both of them won 3 matches in the qualifying round.

As 13th seed in the qualifying round, Ravita defeated 16 years old American Sarah Pham 6-1, 6-3, then the daughter of Hawin Sutopo and Lukky Tedjamukti booted out 18 years old Austrian Lisa Wagner 6-2, 6-0. Eventually in the final qualifying Ravita won easily over top seed Brazilian Laura Pigossi Herrmann De Andrade 6-2, 6-0.

Another Indonesian player, Melissa Emile Kandinata crashed out immediately to 16th seed Tamara Bizhukova of Russia 4-6, 1-6 in the first round of qualifying. A major upset was made by lucky loser Solene Ficheux of France after she barely won over top seed Daria Gavrilova from Russia 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

Photo of Gavrilova is from ITF website

Rungkat and Tananta showered with money

Fifth seeded Christopher Rungkat and third seeded Lavinia Tananta became the champion of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters". Rungkat took men's singles title after an easy victory over eighth seeded Nesa Arta 6-2, 6-0. While in the earlier final of women's singles, Tananta rallied past top seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti 6-4, 7-5.

The year-end big bang of all five series as part of “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series” provided total prize money of 500 million rupiahs. As both Rungkat and Tananta were undefeated since group's round-robin, therefore each of them pocketed 80 million rupiahs as the winner along with undefeated bonus of 20 million rupiahs. In addition, both champs got holiday package to Bali by Garuda Indonesia including hotel accomodation at Sanur Beach Hotel for 3 days.

Top seeded Damayanti was red hot favorite to win this event as most of the fans voiced their opinion. Personally I was in favor of Tananta as the eventual winner of this prestigious creme de la creme of national players' showdown. I was confident to see Tananta as the champion based on my observation along the week. Tananta showed her solid attacking strategy, good serve, strong mental toughness and physical fitness. While Ayu in terms of her game, her consistency already diminished abruptly in the semi-final as she scared by young yet talented Grace Sari Ysidora. In addition, the results during this year was in favor of Tananta as she was ahead 2-1 in her international head to head with Damayanti. Such recent victory by Tananta over Damayanti was at Manila 10K's final when Tananta defeated Damayanti 6-1, 6-4 last month.

It was indeed what happened to Damayanti in the final against Tananta, the Balinese girl did not perform at her best. She made good number of unforced errors and seemed lack of focus. In contrast Tananta played very well with her solid groundstroke, persistency as well as good fighting spirit. Tananta never won a title over the previous five series, while Damayanti grabbed three titles.

In men's singles, Rungkat was simply dominating the match against Arta. The Balinese player Arta only could level-up with Rungkat up to early 4 games in the opening set. Rungkat was able to win men's doubles title with his senior, Andrian Raturandang after gunned down top seed Hendri Susilo Pramono/Arta 6-4, 7-5. In women's doubles, top seed pair Damayanti/Liza Andriyani edged past fourth seed Septi Mende/Grace Sari Ysidora 6-1, 6-4.

All photos above by Adji Soedibjo

Rungkat, Arta, Damayanti, Tananta may be richer after the final of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters"

"Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” approached the semi-finals for men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles and women's doubles yesterday along with postponed matches of men's doubles round-robin. This prestigious event with a new record of total 500 million rupiahs in prize money took place at Tennis Complex of The Executive Club of the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta.

In men's singles, the semi-final match witnessed fifth seed Christopher Rungkat in relatively easy ousted top seed Elbert Sie 6-2, 6-3. Rungkat took his revenge after the final of “Alfamart Cup” when Sie won over Rungkat 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. In the other semi-final match, eighth seed Nesa Arta cruised past third seed Prima Simpatiaji 6-3, 7-6(4).

In the last four round of women's singles, third seeded Lavinia Tananta booted out sixth seeded Sandy Gumulya 6-4, 2-0 retired. In the opening set the battle filled with long rallies and groundstroke contest. Then Gumulya decided to retire due to weak physical condition. In the other semi-final, top seeded Damayanti played against fifth seeded Grace Sari Ysidora and the Balinese girl was pushed all the way by her 5 years younger opponent into three sets but Damayanti sealed 6-1, 2-6, 6-1.

The opening set was simply dominated by Damayanti as she used her forehand many times to penetrate her opponent. In the second set, Ysidora took in charge of the battle and kept on attacking from game to game. It paid off as she took the second set eventually. In the deciding set, the command was snatched back by Damayanti in applying her sound strategy. All in all, Damayanti's strengths are her forehand, ability to quickly read her opponent's tactic and smart in creating an open court. While Ysidora despite her defeat, she has good serve, consistent return serve and quite solid backhand.

In the final Tananta and Damayanti have the opportunity to earn 100 million rupiahs if one of them become undefeated. So far both Damayanti and Tananta are still undefeated.

Gumulya decided to take rest due to her weak physical condition and did not play the semi-final. Therefore, top seed pair Ayu/Liza Andriyani won walk over against third seed pair Angelique Widjaja/Sandy Gumulya. The other semi-final match was between second seed Jessy Rompies/Lavinia Tananta and fourth seed Grace Sari Ysidora/Septi Mende. For twice in a row, duo Ysidora/Mende won over second seed Rompies/Tananta 6-2, 6-3. In the first meeting of the two pairs at “Alfamart Cup” recently duet Ysidora/Mende edged past Rompies/Tananta 7-6(6), 6-3. Back then Rompies/Tananta still freshed from claiming the title at 10K in Manila. Today in the semi-final, Ysidora/Mende played very well especially Ysidora with her explosive backhands down the line.

In men's doubles, the semi-final was featuring seventh seed Andrian Raturandang/Christopher Rungkat when they ousted fourth seed Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto 7-6(5), 6-1. The other semi-final showed close yet interesting match and eventually top seed Hendri Susilo Pramono/Nesa Arta defeated second seed Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati 6-4, 6-7(1), 6-2

Photos of Damayanti & Tananta are courtesy of Indotennis.com

Younger Gumulya crashed out in the second round at Orange Bowl

Younger sister of Indonesia's numero uno Sandy Gumulya known as Beatrice Gumulya had a little hiccup in her opening round at "Dunlop Orange Bowl" in Key Biscayne, Florida. Placed as sixth seeded, Gumulya faced the stiff challenge of her opponent, Hannah James of Great Britain and she was pleased to barely win 6-4, 7-5.

In the second round, soon to be 18 years old on January 1st, 2009, Gumulya was ousted by an American qualifier Chi Chi Scholl 6-7(1), 0-6. Scholl is ranked at ITF 960, while Gumulya is at ITF 34. Scholl best outcome so far in ITF junior circuit was as semi-finalist at South Carolina Grade 2 last month. What kind of excuse would Gumulya tell us this time after such defeat?

As I have observed all these years, I acknowledge Gumulya as potential doubles' player and up to now her doubles' record is way far better than her singles. Maintaining her doubles partnership with Thai Kanyapat "Meaw" Narattana, duo Gumulya/Narattana placed as sixth seeded. In the opening round, this combo of Indonesia and Thai edged past Gabriela Dabrowski/Hannah James (Canada/Great Britain) 6-3, 6-3.

Gumulya/Narattana had easier task in the second round as they booted out US pair Alexandra Anghelescu/Hanna Mar 6-0, 6-1. In the quarter-final, duet of Indonesia and Thailand got beaten by Lauren Embree/Asia Muhammad of USA 3-6, 6-7(4). The American duo made an upset by defeating second seeded pair, Mallory Burdette/Ajla Tomljanovic (USA/Croatia) 6-4, 6-7(7), 10-7 in the second round. So much for Gumulya competing in Grade A tourney such Orange Bowl for merely prestige or just playing? It is time to leave sunshine Florida and back to reality at the elite camp right behind noisy Jakarta Zoo! Be on time for Christmas celebration with the loved ones.

Photo of Gumulya is courtesy of jirobkk.com

Ysidora sneaked into semi-final of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters"

The youngest player at "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters", Grace Sari Ysidora continued her impressive run as she reached the last four round. The 15 years old girl rallied to win a do or die match over eighth seed Jessy Rompies 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(4). It was indeed a nerve wrecking battle between the two players as fans kept on watching when the final set resumed after approximately 3.5 hours rain delay.

Rompies was still winless after she bowed out to Liza Andriyani and Lavinia Tananta. She did not seem to have post cramp problem as she moved very well in pretty much good footwork. She had to win today's match or else she would be only getting participation fee of six million rupiahs. In the first set, Rompies was pretty much in control of the match while Ysidora was trying to pressure with her attacking game. Rompies did not waste time to close the first set 6-3.

In the second set, Ysidora bounced back with her own game as she played bravely in smacking forehand or backhand winners. All her consistent groundstrokes paid-off and she closed it out 6-4. In the final set, Ysidora trailed 1-4 but she regained her own game and managed to level it up 4-4 then rain started to fall. After such a long waiting for rain delay, Rompies and Ysidora returned to the court when Rompies abruptly broke her serve to take command 5-4. Instantly Ysidora broke back to make it 5 all then she served very well along with strong return-serve to lead back 6-5. Rompies kept on fighting to force tie break after she hit 2 aces. In the early tie break, Ysidora quickly was leading 3-0 and eventually she took 7-4 to secure her semi-final ticket. It was for the first time both Rompies and Ysidora played against each other on national senior pro. In ITF junior level, Rompies still leads their head to head 2-0. In the semi-final of "Thamrin Cup 2007" an ITF grade 4 tourney, Rompies survived the scare and won 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4. Consecutively at "Oneject Junior Championships 2008" also an ITF grade 4 in Bandung, Rompies sealed 6-3, 7-5 victory.

Another grueling match in "Merak" group was between second seed Liza Andriyani and third seed Lavinia Tananta. For the first time today, Tananta could win over Andriyani in her fourth attempt. Tananta fought back after a set deficit to seal 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 victory. As Andriyani bowed out, so Ysidora will play in the semi-final.

In "Cenderawasih" group, top seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti defeated fourth seeded Angelique Widjaja easily 6-2, 6-1. While sixth seeded Sandy Gumulya also won over seventh seeded Septi Mende 6-0, 6-4.

For men's singles in "Garuda" group third seed Prima Simpatiaji saw off top seed Elbert Sie 1-6, 6-2, 7-6(3). Both Simpatiaji and Sie were advancing into semi-final. The other match in the same group, Surya Wijaya Budi beaten Sebastian Da Costa 6-2, 6-3. In "Rajawali" group fourth seeded Andrian Raturandang defeated second seeded Sunu Wahyu Trijati 6-4, 6-1, while fifth seeded Christopher Rungkat outclassed eighth seeded Nesa Arta 6-2, 6-4. Thus Rungkat and Arta will perform in the last four round as well.

Photo of Ysidora is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi/Kompas Images

Ysidora made an upset at "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters"

The youngest player in this event, fifth seed Grace Sari Ysidora made a breakthrough by defeating second seed Liza Andriyani 1-6, 6-2, 6-1. On the second day of prestigious “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” drizzle still haunted Tennis Complex of the Executive Club of the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta and “Sportama” as the organizer had no choice but to postpone a couple of matches as happened in “Merak” group. The battle between Andriyani and Ysidora was halted due to sprinkle of rain when Ysidora was leading 5-1 in the final set. Also the match of third seed Lavinia Tananta against eighth seed Jessy Rompies was delayed for the same reason when Rompies was up 3-2 in the second set.

Ysidora’s serve immediately got broken by Andriyani and then she held her serve to lead 2-0. Tall Andriyani was simply taking charge of the whole opening set by hitting slices as way to block Ysidora’s attacking game. Few times 14 years younger girl than Andriyani shocked her opponent with a couple of backhand winners combined with consistent and solid return-serve. But overall in this first set Ysidora had trouble in deciding what choice of strokes to hit and then she made spray of unforced errors. Both players had 4 winners in the opening set, but since Ysidora turned to an error machine so Andriyani took it 6-1.

In the second set Ysidora gradually improved her game by finding her typical attacking game back and as result she could penetrate Andriyani with more backhand winners. Of course Andriyani kept on fighting to stay in the game but Ysidora was quite patient in targeting her shots towards vulnerable spots of her opponent and it paid-off as she took the second set 6-2. In the final set, Ysidora was quite cool and persistent with her attacking game as she mixed it with surprised drop shot and volley winners. She also stunned Andriyani with an explosive backhand passing-shot winner. Then Ysidora cruised along quickly all the way to 5-1 and suddenly sprinkle of rain came again so the match was stopped immediately.

Almost two hours of rain delay, then Andriyani and Ysidora resumed their match. In the position of serving for the match, Ysidora trailed 0-30 but then she bounced back in leading 40-30. After twice deuces, at last Ysidora prevailed as the winner of such long match and closed it out 6-1.

Another match in the same group, Tananta denied the challenge of Rompies and posted her victory 6-2, 7-5. Tananta was quite dominant in the first set in applying long rallies. When Rompies temporarily led 3-2, drizzle fell and the match was delayed. By the time both players returned to the court, Tananta leveled it 3-3 but then Rompies romped a couple of games to lead back 5-3. Tananta kept pressuring on her opponent with her solid groundstroke and she rallied to earn four games in a row and won the second set and match 7-5. Indeed, Rompies was choked badly.

In “Cenderawasih” group top seed Ayu Fani Damyanti also secured her place in the semi-final upon outclassed sixth seed but fragile Sandy Gumulya 7-5, 6-1. In the match Gumulya called in the trainer to treat part of her stomach then she continued to play again. Despite her loss, the current number one of Indonesia still has chance to advance into the semi-final, after all most likely she will not have difficulty in playing her old doubles' partner Septi Mende in the last round-robin match. In the other stint, Angelique “Angie” Widjaja created a possibility to be in the semi-final as she won over Septi Mende 6-3, 6-4. In the last match of the group, she will challenge Damayanti.

In men's singles, top seeded Elbert Sie clinch his berth into semi-final and will play his last round-robin match against third seeded Prima Simpatiaji to complete the order of first and second place in “Garuda” group. In his second tie yesterday, Sie crushed sixth seeded Sebastian Da Costa 6-2, 6-0. While Simpatiaji dispatched seventh seeded Surya Wijaya Budi 6-2, 6-1.

In “Rajawali” group fifth seed Christopher Rungkat shrewdly ousted second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati 6-1, 6-0. The only quite interesting match was between eighth seed Nesa Arta and fourth seed Andrian Raturandang. In the opening set, Balinese Arta comfortably took it 6-1 through long rallies. In the second set, Raturandang played better in keeping-up Arta's pace but in the end the Balinese descent could overcome the slight scare and won 7-5. With all of the above results, Rungkat and Arta are safe to perform the final four. Due to lingering rain falls till evening, all men's doubles' matches were postponed to the next day.

Picture of Ysidora is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi/Kompas Images

Gumulya earned her revenge, Trijati stumbled at "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters"

The opening day of “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” was interrupted by sprinkle of rain and some of the matches were forced to be delayed for a couple of times. Such unfriendly weather and windy condition did not hamper stiff competition demonstrated by the players in their stints as scheduled on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Tennis Complex of the Executive Club of the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta.

An early shock occurred in the first match of “Rajawali” group when second seeded Sunu Wahyu Trijati bowed out to eight seeded Nesa Arta 6-7(3), 2-6. In the opening set the battle filled with fierce and interesting exchange of strokes from both contenders. Then in the second set, Arta shifted to take control of the match and demolished funky but drastically worn out Trijati to clinch an important victory.

In another action of the same group, fifth seeded Christopher Rungkat showed-off his game style with typical aggressive attack from the baseline. His opponent fourth seeded Andrian Raturandang had to work hard in anticipating Rungkat’s spray of shots and many times the older Raturandang could only answer with his defensive slices to keep the ball in play. On the other side Rungkat ruthlessly did not give any space for his senior to find his own rhythm. In the end Rungkat secured his campaign with one sided victory 6-0, 6-0.

In “Garuda” group top seed Elbert Sie faced strong challenge by seventh seed Surya Wijaya Budi, but this Bandung resident was at ease in handling critical moments and he closed it out 6-3, 6-4. Another battle between third seed Prima Simpatiaji against sixth seed Sebastian Da Costa was relatively easy for tall Simpatiaji to beat his older opponent 6-2, 6-2.

In the women’s draw of “Cenderawasih” group, the first ever match in Indonesia of fourth seeded Angelique Widjaja and sixth seeded Sandy Gumulya was a magnet for some loyal fans. The battle between former number one of Indonesia and the incumbent of numero uno in Indonesia colored with groundstroke contest from the two players. Gumulya had the advantage of well-maintained physical endurance, mental toughness and consistency in retrieving the balls from Widjaja. It was obvious to witness Gumulya in how she applied the strategy of forcing her opponent to make errors. The evident of Widjaja’s lack of training was the price she had to pay as she lost 4-6, 3-6 eventually.

It was a sweet revenge for Gumulya in front of the home crowd. At Changsha, China 25K in 2006 she was beaten by Widjaja 5-7, 5-7 in the second round. It was no surprise to know Gumulya’s victory as she kept on playing in the tour and totally she had participated in 15 tournaments this season from 10K all the way to tier 3 of Bali. In contrast Widjaja just played her 10th match in the last two months and she has been having very little training exposure to stay competitive.

The victory of another match in the same group was claimed by top seed Ayu Fani Damayanti who crushed her former doubles’ partner and seventh seed Septi Mende 6-1, 6-1. Then in “Merak” group third seed Lavinia Tananta was still a better player than fifth seed Grace Sari Ysidora when she clinched 6-4, 6-1 victory. Along the match Tananta was simply in control of the game despite Ysidora’s strong effort to keep up with her opponent’s pace.

Another battle in “Merak” group lasted more than 2 hours and it was such a drama between second seeded Liza Andriyani and eight seeded Jessy Rompies. Playing quite consistent with her attacking game, Rompies was comfortable in taking the opening set 6-1. In the second set, the battle got uglier as both players fought hard by demonstrating long rallies. “Veteran” Andriyani had the chance at 5-2 to close the set but she seemed to lose her focus which caused her younger opponent to get closer 4-5. In such situation Andriyani was able to shift back into the game and then she closed it out 6-4. In the final set Rompies also took 5-2 lead and her supporters were confident in seeing Rompies to finish the match, but abruptly cramp struck her left hip. Immediately she called a trainer for treatment.

Then Rompies resumed in the match while Liza had prepared to keep on fighting in wearing her opponent’s down and she was able to close the gap 4-5. Drama continued as Rompies had another cramp on her right upper thigh and forced her to call a trainer back. It took longer time as Rompies looked terribly painful when she sat down on the side of the court. She seemed uncomfortable when she walked towards the baseline to be in the game again. Andriyani cleverly mixed angle shots which made Rompies to be awkward in hitting those back few times and eventually she raised her hand as signal of giving-up to the chair umpire. Then as Andriyani approached towards her to shake hand, Rompies instantly fell on the side of the court and the whole entourage of coaches along with players of the elite camp swarmed towards her to give her comfort.

In men’s doubles competition, “Elang” group’s top seed pair Hendri Susilo Pramono/Nesa Arta faced strong challenge from eight seed Elbert Sie/Ryan Tanujoyo but Pramono/Nesa prevailed on important points to secure 7-5, 7-6(5) victory. In the same group, fourth seed Aditya Harry Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto barely had any difficulty in ousting sixth seed Edy Kusdaryanto/Ferdy Fauzi 6-2, 6-1. In “Kasuari” group, third seed Sebastian Da Costa/Surya Wijaya Budi saw-off fifth seed David Agung Susanto/Faisal Aidil 7-5, 6-3. While seventh seed duo Andrian Raturandang/Christopher Rungkat shocked second seed duet Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati with 6-3, 7-6(4) victory.

Photo of Widjaja is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi/Kompas Images

Photo of Gumulya is courtesy of Indotennis.com

Revenge opportunity for Gumulya and Ysidora

The first day of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters" will promise interesting feature of the best eight female players in Indonesia as result of almost one year long "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" organized by newly established "Sportama". I believe it will be the first showdown at home between former tennis queen Angelique Widjaja and the current number one Sandy Gumulya. Widjaja, Wimbledon Junior Champion in 2001 and world ranked number 55 on March 31, 2003 tomorrow is playing only her 10th singles' matches this year on national circuit after two years hiatus from rigorous and demanding pro tour. It is a tough call who will be the winner despite Widjaja's minimum training exposure.

Widjaja will rely on her vast experience in WTA Tour. She may not have her power back but she is still clever in intertwining the game with her solid backhand, good serve and well-known moonballs. It is time for Gumulya to get her revenge as both players have battled before in 2006 at Changsha, China 25K. In the second round of this tourney, Widjaja denied the challenge of Gumulya and sealed 7-5, 7-5 victory. Back then Widjaja had to start from the scratch again after over a year suffering from painful knee injury. Certainly Gumulya has the advantage of continuous tour than her opponent and as of now, she has played in total of 15 tournaments ranging from 10Ks to Tier III on the tour this season. The pressure is certainly on Gumulya as her big boss Martina Widjaja will expect her to win this maiden Masters. Keep on struggling to break into top 200s since 2006, Gumulya is currently ranked at WTA 292 as per December 8, 2008. She will try a lot to create an open court as way to smack her forehand winner. Her serve has slightly improved but it is still not her strength yet. It will be interesting to see how she executes her backhand in the match. The biggest advantage is indeed Gumulya's fighting spirit as she inherited such trait from her dad and mom who were former national cyclist and former national diver.

Another match will show Lavinia Tananta and Grace Sari Ysidora. Up to now, Tananta still leads 3-0 in her head to head with 15 years old Ysidora. In their first meeting last February at "Cigna Open", Tananta survived the scare as Ysidora forced the match into three sets, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5. Tananta is more consistent than her younger challenger. This Semarang born will play long rallies from the baseline and she is quite capable of maintaining her patience most of the time. Tananta will depend on her better power and faster ball speed than her junior. On the other hand, Ysidora will need to attack first with her explosive forehand and backhand. This junior player's return-serve has been very effective in the last three months and it is fine to pronounce her as the best returner nationally right now. Mental toughness from the two players will play a key role in this match between representative of Central Java and North Sumatra.

Ayu Fani Damayanti is likely not to have problem against Septi Mende. Damayanti has been in good form this year and is still dominating the national circuit. This Balinese girl will apply her solid groundstrokes and may avoid long rally if possible. On the other side, Mende has been lack of practice due to her heavy load of studying at a prestigious law school in Yogyakarta. Mende is still able in maintaining her power game but her physical fitness is in doubt. She needs to be effective in applying her strategy by making less errors and she must be ready to attack Damayanti's weak second serve.

Last but not least, "veteran" Liza Andriyani will face a challenge of recently departed prodigy from junior circuit, Jessy Rompies. Almost 30 years old, Andriyani claims that she still plays because of her love for the game and as way to keep healthy. Similar to Widjaja, Andriyani a native of Tegal in Central Java, will utilize her very longer hours on the tour than up and coming Rompies. Younger sister of former accomplished men's doubles player Sulistyo Wibowo, will try to slow the pace with her solid slice and mix-up the game as necessary. Across the net of Andriyani, Rompies will apply her power game, big serve and she may come to the net more. Their head to head is 1-1 but in the last meeting Rompies nicely won 6-4, 6-4 over her senior at "2007 Palazzo Open".

Photos of Gumulya, Andriyani & Widjaja, Damayanti are taken by Adji Soedibjo

Grace Sari Ysidora is the youngest and early fight of Widjaja against Gumulya at "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters"

Recently come back former tennis queen Angelique Widjaja faces an early battle against her successor and current number one Sandy Gumulya tomorrow at the most prestigious tennis event in Indonesia. “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” is making new record in Indonesian tennis history with its total prize money of 500 million rupiahs and the peak of all tennis events this year in the land of Yayuk Basuki will begin officially from December 10-14, 2008 at Tennis Complex of The Executive Club at The Sultan Hotel, Jakarta. “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” is the ultimate contest as previously total of five series were held under the name of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series” which initiated and organized by “Sportama”. This promising sport event management owned by Widjaja and her partners is in partnership with the national carrier "Garuda Indonesia" as the main sponsor. The five series were successfully staged from the earliest “Sportama Championships” in Jakarta, followed by “Oke Shop” tourney in Surabaya, then “Rizal Mallarangeng Cup” in Jakarta, after that “BTPN Cup” in Solo and eventually ended with “Alfamart Cup” again in Jakarta on November 30, 2008. Each one of the five series provided total prize money of 150 million rupiahs.

Starting from the first until the fifth series, each player competed to be the best in accumulating the most Masters' points so then they could perform at “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters”. Upon the completion of all five series, the overall standing of eight top in men's singles and women's singles as well as eight top pairs in men's doubles is clear and certainly eligible for Masters. While only four spots are reserved in women's doubles.

“Drawing ceremony” followed with “Welcome Party” were nicely organized by "Sportama" at Libra Room of the Executive Club at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta last night. Some very important persons were attending the events such as President Director of “Garuda Indonesia” as the main sponsor, Mr. Emirsyah Satar, and the President of Indonesia Tennis Association, Mrs. Martina Widjaja along with her oldest daughter, Shinta Widjaja who is Head of the Promotion & Fund Department within the Association. Also Head of the Tournament Department, Mr. Johanes Susanto accompanied by another incumbent in Widjaja's current regime, Mr. Christian Budiman. Obviously President Director of “Sportama”, Mr. Glenn Sugita was safe enough to be acknowledged as the host along with Tournament Director, Mr. Teddy Tanjung. As "drawing ceremony" began, Mr. Tanjung took charge with the assistance of the Masters' Referee, Mr. Akhyar Matra. It was really nice to see all the qualified players present last night and some of their parents were visible among the guests.

“Drawing ceremony” automatically separated the Masters' race leader and an immediate next in-command into two different groups for men's singles, women's singles and men's doubles. Then the remaining contenders were drawn accordingly. In men's singles, "Garuda" or mythical bird group consisted of top seed Elbert Sie, third seed Prima Simpatiaji, sixth seed Sebastian Da Costa and seventh seed Surya Wijaya Budi. Meanwhile in "Rajawali" or eagle group, the line-up is second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati, fourth seed Andrian Raturandang, fifth seed Christopher Rungkat and eighth seed Nesa Arta.

Women's singles divided into "Cenderawasih" group and "Merak" group. "Cenderawasih" or bird of paradise group is filled with top seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti, fourth seeded Angelique Widjaja, sixth seeded Sandy Gumulya and seventh seeded Septi Nindya Yutami Mende. In the meantime, "Merak" or peacock group is having second seeded Liza Andriyani, third seeded Lavinia Tananta, fifth seeded as well as the youngest player Grace Sari Ysidora and eighth seeded Jessy Rompies.

In the category of men's doubles, "Elang" or hawk group comprised of first seeded pair Hendri Susilo Pramono/Nesa Arta, fourth seeded Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto, sixth seeded Edy Kusdaryanto/Ferdy Fauzi and eighth seeded Elbert Sie/Ryan Tanujoyo. In "Kasuari" or cassowary group, the pairs are second seed Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati, third seed Sebastian Da Costa/Surya Wijaya Budi, fifth seed David Agung Susanto/Faisal Aidil and seventh seed Andrian Raturandang/Christopher Rungkat.

For all the three categories mentioned above, each group will feature round-robin and in the semi-final first place of one group will clash with second place of another group and the other way around. In women's doubles with only four pairs, the semi-final will be staged immediately and the match-ups are top seeded Ayu Fani Damayanti/Liza Andriyani against third seeded Angelique Widjaja/Sandy Gumulya, then second seeded Lavinia Tananta/Jessy Rompies versus fourth seeded Grace Sari Ysidora/Septi Nindya Yutami Mende.

The first match on December 10, 2008 will start at 10 am and four matches of men's singles are scheduled as follows: Elbert Sie vs Surya Wijaya Budi, Prima Simpatiaji vs Sebastian Da Costa, Sunu Wahyu Trijati vs Nesa Arta, Andrian Raturandang vs Christopher Rungkat. Then the second match will not be played until 11.30 am which will show four matches of women's singles and consisted of: Ayu Fani Damayanti vs Septi Nindya Yutami Mende, Angelique Widjaja vs Sandy Gumulya, Lavinia Tananta vs Grace Sari Ysidora, Liza Andriyani vs Jessy Rompies. The third or last match of the opening day will be four matches of men's doubles.

Relax and warm atmosphere blanketed "Welcome Party" last night. In particular all the women players looked beautiful and cheerful when they were asked to sing on the stage. The next day will be another day for the players to go all the way. Bonne chance!

Photo of Grace Sari Ysidora by Adji Soedibjo

Mixed news from The Brave's Wimbledon in sunshine Florida

After becoming finisher in round 16 of singles and runner-up in doubles at recent “Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships”, the high profile Beatrice Gumulya from "state of the art" tennis club owned by Martina Widjaja continued on to swing her racquet at “Dunlop Orange Bowl International Championships”. This is a prestigious tourney sanctioned by ITF as Grade A same level as grand slam and it is staged at Crandon Park Tennis Center, Key Biscayne, Florida. It is often called as “Wimby" of USA, the tourney will start today and as the draw was released, Gumulya is placed as sixth seeded in the singles' main draw.

Achieving its 62nd year of competition this year, "Dunlop Orange Bowl International Junior Tennis Championships" has evolved with a rich tradition and is well-known as the oldest and largest international junior tennis tournament.

Over the past half century, this world class event has become a benchmark for eyeing pro potential, as winners are pronounced as the players most likely to excell on the professional tours. No doubt that the list of past champions is a stellar one of “Who’s Who in Tennis,” including Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, my fave Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Chris Evert, my "darling" Mary Joe Fernandez, Gabriela Sabatini and Elena Dementieva. The list of other participants is indeed wonderful and includes Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharapova, Gael Monfils and Novak Djokovic, among others.

In the first round (draw 64) Gumulya will begin her campaign against world ranked 88 Hannah James of Great Britain. Based on my analysis, younger sister of Sandy Gumulya will smoothly cruise into the third round (round 16) when she will face her big task. It is possible that she will have a clash with the recent winner of "Eddie Herr", Lauren Embree of USA. Embree is eleventh seed here at Orange Bowl. Gumulya was born nine days earlier than her prospective opponent Embree in January 1991, and indeed she may need to utilize her mental toughness and sound strategy if she wants to reach the quarter-final of Grade A. Leading the pack as top seed is currently ranked at ITF 5, Ana Bogdan from Romania, while second seeded is world ranked number 7, Laura Robson of Great Britain, the Wimbledon junior champion this season.

In the competition of U-16, Melissa Emile Kandinata from Jakarta crashed out instantly in the first round of qualifying. Kandinata lost to American Emina Bektas 3-6, 2-6. Her compatriot, Nadia Ravita who was scheduled to play in the same category here, did not make it into the entry list due to the careless conduct by Indonesia Tennis Association. The staff at Indonesia Tennis Association sent Ravita's entry to the wrong recipient. As consequence, Ravita maintained her training at International Tennis Academy, Delray Beach, Florida as preparation of her participation in an ITF Grade 4 tournament known as “Prince Cup”. Ravita will have to go through qualifying round which will start on December 13, 2008 in Miami, Florida.

Photo of Roddick when he won 1999 Orange Bowl is courtesy of USTA

Gumulya and her partner fell to earn title

Beatrice Gumulya fell to win doubles' title in the final of “Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships” an ITF Grade 1 tourney yesterday. As sixth seeded pair, Gumulya/Kanyapat Narattana from Thailand outclassed by third seeded duo, Anna Orlik/Laura Robson (Belarus/Great Britain) 6-7(5), 3-6. Robson is the Wimbledon junior champ this year. In the semi-final, Gumulya/Narattana faced tough battle from unseeded pair, Christi Potgieter/Bianca Swanepoel of South Africa. Duo Indonesia and Thailand survived the thriller and bounced back to win 3-6, 6-4, 10-4.

Tracing back to the good old days, beautiful yet friendly Liza Andriyani once competed in the same tourney in 1996 which was held at IMG/Nick Bollettieri Academies in Bradenton, Florida. Andriyani was a semi-finalist eventually after she bowed out to French lefty Emilie Loit 2-6, 3-6. In the boys' side, the highest outcome for Indonesians so far is still owned by Surabaya born Peter Handoyo who became runner-up at this tourney in 1997. In the final, Handoyo lost to Belgian Xavier Malisse 2-6, 1-6. In round 16 Handoyo dispatched younger bro of Jennifer Capriati, Steven Capriati and in the quarter-final he saw-off Guillermo Coria of Argentina who later became French Open's runner-up in 2004 and clinched his career best rank at ATP 3. As for Handoyo himself, he still can be proud of his achievement, as he clocked his highest junior world rank at ITF 22 in 1997.

Picture of Laura Robson is courtesy of Getty Images

Indonesian girls continued "go the distance" in Brunei

Two players from Central Java, David Agung Susanto and Cynthia Melita created their best achievement by claiming titles in boys' singles and girls' singles at recently adjourned (Sunday, December 7, 2008) “38th Brunei ITF Junior Circuit” which was staged at Bandar Seri Begawan, the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam.

As top seed, Susanto with world rank of ITF 217 as at December 1, 2008 proved that he was able to add his ITF junior title in the rich Sultanate after gunning-down sixth seed Chuang Ting-Yu of Chinese Taipei 6-2, 6-2 in the final. Susanto reached his highest rank at ITF 156 almost a month ago and with this outcome, it is likely that his ranking will return inside top 200s. This freshly title is Susanto's third one in ITF junior circuit after Srilanka Grade 5 in 2006 and Solo Grade 4 in 2007.

In girls' section, Melita was awesome in continuing Indonesian girls' domination by grabbing her first ever ITF junior title. In the last two years, Indonesian girls were unstoppable since 2006 when at that time 13 years old Grace Sari Ysidora took her maiden title in ITF junior circuit then last year it was Angelina Jogasuria's turn to take her maiden title also when she was 16 years old. Looking back to the history, in its first inauguration of 1988 ITF Junior Circuit tourney in Brunei, the girls' singles crown was awarded to Dewi Fortunasari Wibisono from Indonesia. Known as Dewi Fortuna, she is still playing competitively now and at the same time she is an official umpire with an ITF accreditation.

This 15 years old girl from hilly town of Salatiga, Central Java is known with her blistering forehand but she lost the opening set first since her opponent and fourth seeded, Indian Malaysian Neesha Thirumalaichelvam closed it out, 7-5. Based on text message from touring coach of “Sportama Tennis Institute”, Lukky Tedjamukti, in the first set, Melita did not seem focus on her own game especially in critical moments and as result, Thirumalaichelvam took the opportunity to gain an early lead. In the next two sets, Melita regained her composure and fought back with her typical attacking game to pay the deficit. She came back strongly to seal 6-0, 6-2 victory.

By obtaining her first title ever, it seems clear that Melita has restored her confidence after she left the "elite" camp owned by well-off Martina Widjaja and to be exact immediately she closed her chapter of four months training with Mama's girls upon “Balikpapan International Junior Championships” ended. Personally, she improved her outcome in Brunei last year when she finished as semi-finalist. Along her junior career, a girl who likes red and blue, seemed to lock in three semi-finals of Grade 4 in Brunei 2007, Surabaya 2007 and Jakarta 2008. Such a breakthrough indeed she has made and it is purely sweet journey as her determination could produce title, moreover she has been experiencing low self-esteem in the past month.

In the semi-final, second seeded Melita (ITF 391) surprised herself to perform in her first ever final of her junior career. Melita smashed out third seed Srilankan Jithmie Jayawickrema 6-2, 6-1. En route to the final, Melita has been impressive by only losing seven games. In the other semi-final match-up, Thirumalaichelvam created shock theraphy and won over top seeded Nadia Frederika of Jakarta, Indonesia 6-3, 6-3.

One day prior to the final, doubles' title was already secured by Melita due to her partnership with her hitting-partner at "Sportama Tennis Institute", Nadia Frederika. As top seed pair, duo Frederika/Melita out-dueled second seed tandem of Nicole Hoynaski/Thirumalaichelvam (Australia/Malaysia) 7-5, 6-0. For Melita, it is her fourth doubles' title in ITF junior level and at the same time she was successful to defend it. Other titles of ITF Grade 4 were collected by Melita in Jakarta, Brunei and Surabaya which all occurred in 2007. While for Frederika, it is now her third doubles' title of ITF Grade 4 after Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados this year.

Boys' doubles' crown was given to fifth seed pair, Chuang Ting-Yu/Lee Tae-Woo (Chinese Taipei/South Korea) after defeating second seed combo of Chee Hong-Yuan/Louis Theodor (Malaysia/Indonesia) 6-2, 6-3. Theodor is younger brother of former player Lenz Theodor who is now studying and playing tennis at the university in the US.

Images of Melita & Frederika shot by Adji Soedibjo

Enriching experience at the rich Sultanate of Brunei

Topped by number two junior player of Indonesia, David Agung Susanto as first seed, Indonesian boys secured 1.5 reps in the final of Brunei Darussalam ITF Grade 4 this weeek-end. Susanto clinched his final berth of the year in ITF Grade 4 and his third final of same grade during his junior career after runner-up of Surabaya and winner at Solo both in 2007. On the other hand, his compatriot Louis Theodor made into doubles final with his partner, Chee Hong-Yuan of Malaysia.

Susanto got first round bye then he dispatched Japanese qualifier Kazunori Nagata 6-0, 6-4 in the second round (round 32). Other Indonesian players who received the opening round byes were third seeded Louis Theodor, fourth seeded Ega Uneputty, eight seeded Michael Christian, 12th seeded Indra Wijaya and 16th seeded Jason Joey Alexander. Except Christian, the rest of Indonesian seeded players secured second round victories. Third seeded Theodor slammed an Indonesian Malaysian Randel Sitepu 6-1, 6-0. Then fourth seeded Ambonese counter-puncher Uneputty out-dueled Hsu Ching of Chinese Taipei 7-5, 6-1. Wijaya also tasted his sweet win over Malaysian wild card Amrul Amin Mokhtar 6-1, 6-4. The nephew of former top world shuttler Ardy Bernadus Wiranata, Joey Alexander cruised past local wild card, Asher Khan 6-4, 6-0. Early exit was suffered by eight seeded Bandung resident, Christian who bowed out to Jao Chi-Shih of Chinese Taipei 3-6, 2-6.

Lucky draw was obtained by the only unseeded Indonesian, Jeremy Ryan Alexander, brother of Jason Joey Alexander. Ryan Alexander had first round bye and in the second round he made an upset by defeating 13th seed Shogo Kato of Japan 6-2, 6-2. Moving along in the third round (round 16), Susanto edged past Joey Alexander in comfortable 6-1, 6-1. Third seeded Theodor crushed Ryan Alexander 6-0, 6-2. Fourth seed Uneputty faced quite challenge but still won over qualifier Yang Yeong-Mo of South Korea 6-3, 7-5. Wijaya squared off with Japanese qualifier Masashi Watanabe but managed to seal 7-5, 6-3 victory.

In the quarter-final, Susanto survived the scare after such grueling match against fifth seed Srilankan Dineshkanthan Thangarajah. This Semarang born barely defeated his opponent 6-3, 6-7(7), 6-4. Third seeded Theodor could not keep his early lead and lost 6-1, 3-6, 2-6 to sixth seed Chuang Ting-Yu of Chinese Taipei. Fourth seed Uneputty saw off his club comrade and 12th seed Wijaya 6-2, 6-1.

In the semi-final today, top seed Susanto forced to play another rubber by persistent Uneputty and eventually Susanto saved by the "wake-up" bell to win 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. In the final tomorrow, Susanto will face tough battle against sixth seeded Chuang of Chinese Taipei. Chuang is a familiar face for Indonesians as he played in Jakarta and Bandung for ITF Grade 4 tourneys last June. His best outcome so far in his career was as quarter-finalist in his home country of ITF Grade 4 last March. It is certainly a striking contrast as Susanto is currently at ITF 217 while Chuang is now at ITF 870. Nevertheless, only a better player will prevail as winner tomorrow. Last year here in the wealthy Sultanate, Susanto ended in the quarter-final.

In doubles, top seeded pair was Susanto/Christian and they got first round bye. In the second round (round 16), duo of Semarang and Bandung gunned down Chinese Taipei pair, Hsu Ching/Huang Tzu-Chun 6-2, 6-1. In the quarter-final, duet of Susanto/Christian toppled by fifth seeded pair Chuang/Lee Tae-Woo (Chinese Taipei/South Korea) 6-0, 4-6, 5-10.

Other winners in the second round were second seeded pair Chee/Theodor, third seeded pair Uneputty/Wijaya, and seventh seeded the Alexanders. Chee/Theodor defeated South Korean pair, Kang Jihun/Kim Se-Yong 6-2, 6-2 then Uneputty/Wijaya saw off local pair Shotaro Nakagun/Aiman Abdullah 6-2, 6-1. The Alexanders faced fierced duel but they managed to win 6-0, 4-6, 10-2 over Malaysian pair, Hussein Rashid Sahibudeen/Randel Sitepu.

In the quarter-final, Uneputty/Wijaya continued their run with close victory over Chinese Taipei duo, Hsieh Cheng-Ju/Jao Chi-Shan 6-4, 6-4. Chee/Theodor edged past the Alexanders 6-2, 6-2. In the semi-final, Chee/Theodor kept their winning streak after long battle against Uneputty/Wijaya and finally they sealed 6-4, 3-6, 10-2 victory.

Photos of Theodor & Uneputty are taken by Adji Soedibjo

Nadia Ravita had to be content as quarter-finalist at Eddie Herr U-14

Fourteen years old Nadia Ravita hailed from South Jakarta, eventually received "wild card" to play here at "Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships" in its U-14 tournament with singles' main draw at the fullest of 128 slots. As Ravita played for Indonesia, she had no choice to enter her participation into "Eddie Herr" and "Orange Bowl" through Indonesia Tennis Association but as several times happened before to other players, Indonesia Tennis Association made another mistake by sending Ravita's entry to the wrong address.

The tourney is staged at the famous Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. In the first round, Ravita smashed Carla L Sandri of Brazil 6-1, 6-0. In the second round (round 64) she surprised 12th seeded Diana Bogolii of Ukraine with 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory. Ravita kept on her momentum by defeating American Kelsey Laurente 6-4, 6-3 in the third round (round 32). In the round last 16, Ravita maintained her solid form by ousting wild card Hai-Li Kong of USA 6-3, 6-2. Yesterday, Ravita's winning streak was damaged by top seeded Russian Daria Gavrilova 2-6, 3-6 in the quarter-final.

Another entrant in U-14 singles' main draw was Ravita's compatriot Melissa Emile Kandinata. In the first round, Kandinata cruised past Serbian Andela Novcic 6-4, 6-3. Then Kandinata forced to bow out to 10th seeded Anna Shkudun of Ukraine 1-6, 3-6.

Meanwhile in doubles, Ravita partnered with Japanese Sanae Ota. This duo of Indonesia and Japan breezed past Swedish pair, Susanne Celik/Linnea Westergren in the first round (round 64), then they made second round victory over Morgan D Chumney/Viktoria Lakustova (USA/Russia) 8-3. In the third round (round 16), Ravita/Ota did a major damage over top seeded pair, Tristen Z Dewar/Elianne Douglas-Miron (USA/Canada) 8-6 and eventually in the quarter-final yesterday, the mixture of "Kris Dayanti & Utada Hikaru" lost closely to Olga Ianchuk/Daria Lebesheva (Ukraine/Belarus) 6-8.

In the previous tourney Ravita took part, as unseeded she came out triumphant at "U-16 Delray Junior Super Series". In the semi-final, she trashed her compatriot Kandinata 6-1, 6-0 then in the final Ravita denied the challenge of sixth seeded Daria Sharapova of Russia 6-2, 6-1. This 13 years old Sharapova is indeed little cousin of "products' icon" Maria Sharapova. While Muscovite Gavrilova who ousted Ravita yesterday in the last 8 round, despite only 14 years old she reached her highest rank at ITF 94 last October due to her title of ITF Grade 3 in Russia and being runner-up at Serbia ITF Grade 2.

In the meantime in U-16 competition at "Eddie Herr", the sole participant from Indonesia was Christina Limantoro. As student of Bollettieri camp, this girl from Surabaya received wild card and she immediately crashed out in the first round. Limantoro lost to 15th seeded Monica N Turewicz of USA 2-6, 1-6.

Last but not least, Indonesia fielded three boys in the category of U-12 also here at "Eddie Herr". These three boys had quite satisfactory outcome as they all finished in the second round (round 64). Mark Ginting lost to American David Crisovan 4-6, 4-6, while two sons of former national player Aga Soemarno, Fabian Soemarno bowed out to Phillipe Courteau of Canada 0-6, 1-6 and Armando Soemarno defeated by Hong Seong-Chan of South Korea 0-6, 4-6.

In doubles, the pair of Gabriel D Pilones/Fabian Soemarno instantly dispatched by South Korean duo, Chung Jyeon/Shin Geonju 2-8. The other pair Mark Ginting/Armando Soemarno had better result. In the first round (round 64) Ginting/Armando defeated Ricky N Hendler/Wilson Li (Belgium/China) 8-1. In the second round, this Indonesian duo edged past American pair, Nikita Kardivar/Julian A Zlobinsky 8-3. Ginting/Soemarno continued on to win 8-1 over Aleh Drobysh/Ivan Liutarevich from Belarus in the third round. Eventually in the quarter-final, Indonesian duet lost to Justin A Roberts/Jake M Stefanik (Bahama/USA) 7-9.

Personally, I am proud to know that all the girls and boys are bearing the name of Indonesia!!! Keep going, guys!!!

Photo of Soemarno brothers & Ginting - courtesy of Aga Soemarno in Indotennis.com

Photo of Ravita is courtesy of Eddie Herr.com

From uncle Bollettieri's playground, Gumulya hoped to stay alive in doubles

Number two junior player of Indonesia, Beatrice Gumulya kept her competition in doubles after she suffered defeat in singles at "Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships", an ITF Grade 1 tourney which is taking place at IMG/Nick Bollettieri Academies in Bradenton, Florida.

Entered the tourney with junior world ranked at 31, younger Gumulya was placed as fourth seeded in the singles' main draw. In the opening round (round 64), little sister of Sandy Gumulya won comfortably over Indian Kyra Shroff 6-1, 6-1. Then in the second round (round 32) she defeated Canadian Katarena Paliivets 7-5, 6-1. In the third round (round 16) this 17 years, 11 months and 5 days old girl was eventually outclassed by Czech Monika Tumova 2-6, 1-6. Tumova is now leading 2-0 in her head to head with Gumulya. In their first meeting in the final of Solo ITF Grade 4, Tumova saw off her opponent 6-3, 6-1.

In 2007, in the final of Solo ITF Grade 4 Gumulya bowed out to her younger opponent Grace Sari Ysidora 4-6, 3-6. Finally, as world ranked 31 Gumulya earned her first ever title in ITF junior circuit, but recently no "de javu" for her in Solo ITF Grade 4 as she edged past second seeded Tanvi Shah of India 6-0, 7-5. It would have been a big embarrassment for Gumulya if she could not take the title here in Solo as the field was not extremely strong. In the second round, this Jakarta girl survived the battle as she barely cruised past China's Zheng Sai Sai 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4. With all these facts, it has certainly proven that the young breeds from "Tennis Diva" camp such as Jessy Rompies and Gumulya were late bloomers. Both of them got their maiden ITF junior title of Grade 4 when they were already 17 years old.

Placed as doubles' sixth seeded, Gumulya is partnered with Thai Kanyapat "Meaw" Narattana and this duo secured walk over win over Maria Belaya/Katerina Petrenko (USA/Bulgaria) in the first round. The combo of "chicken satay and tom yam soup" defeated US pair, Kate Fuller/Monica Yajima 6-3, 6-1 in the second round (round 16). In the quarter-final, Gumulya/Narattana shocked the top seeded pair, Yana Buchina/Kristina Mladenovic (Russia/France) 6-2, 6-4. In the semi-final today, duet Indonesian and Thai will face South African pair, Christi Potgieter/Bianca Swanepoel. Earlier, Potgieter/Swanepoel had beaten eight seeded from Czech Republic, Martina Borecka/Monika Tumova and fourth seeded Mallory C Burdette/Lauren T Embree of USA.

Photo of Narattana by Adji Soedibjo

Photo of Gumulya sisters by Indotennis.com

"Garuda Indonesia Masters" will rock tennis lovers

Yesterday afternoon (December 2, 2008) I attended the press conference of "Garuda Indonesia Masters" at Cempaka Room, the Executive Club of Sultan Hotel in Jakarta. As it has been discussed before, "Garuda Indonesia Masters" is the paramount of total five series as the chain of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" and have been marathonly held in Jakarta (Sportama Championships), Surabaya (Oke Shop), Jakarta (Rizal Mallarangeng Cup), Solo (BTPN Solo Open) and recently in Jakarta entitled "Alfamart Cup". The upcoming "Garuda Indonesia Masters" is truly the biggest ever tourney in the fourth most populous nation in the world with its total prize money of 500 million rupiahs. In addition, it is indeed a breakthrough as for the very first time the prize money for both men and women players is equal. Yes, prize money distribution for winners of men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles as well as women's doubles is all the same amount.

When I asked Angelique Widjaja on how such historical equal prize money came through, a Bandung resident who initiated and organized all the series and its final masters under the flag of "Sportama", said that she had to fight for it through fierce debates with her male business partners in "Sportama".

Chief Executive Officer of Garuda Indonesia, Mr. Emirsyah Satar was present at the presscon along with the current president of Indonesia Tennis Association, Mrs. Martina Widjaja. Mr. Satar admitted that he is a tennis freak and is still playing tennis regularly as he went on about the commitment of Garuda Indonesia in continuing its sponsorship for the series in 2009 and in addition, the state-owned company of national flag carrier will also sponsor Indonesian Fed Cup team next year.

Mr. Glenn Sugita, the principal commissioner of "Sportama" and Mr. Teddy Tanjung, the Tournament Director also joined with Mr. Satar and Mrs. Widjaja in giving their remarks. Both Sugita and Tanjung used to be national players. Sugita was also once squad member of Tennessee Tech University, while Tanjung was Indonesia Davis Cup team member in 1995. As the presscon came along, Mr. Satar conveyed to all of us that the undefeated winners of men's and women's singles will be awarded 100 million rupiah. He hoped that this amount of money will motivate the players to perform at its best and they can maintain their tour accordingly.

In both men's and women's singles, for each category there are 8 players fighting to be the champion. Adopting the classic format of "The Masters Cup" and "Sony Ericsson Championships", they will be divided into 2 groups in each category and the first round-robin matches will start on December 10, all the way to finals on December 14, 2008 in the Tennis Complex of Executive Club at Sultan Hotel. All these players are eligible to compete in "Garuda Indonesia Masters" based on the accumulated points they have earned over the five series. The top eight male competitors are Elbert Sie, Sunu Wahyu Trijati, Prima Simpatiaji, Andrian Raturandang, Christopher Rungkat, Sebastian Da Costa, Surya Wijaya Budi dan Nesa Arta. The two alternates are Andery Setyawanto and Faisal Aidil.

In the meantime, the top eight female contenders are Ayu Fani Damayanti, Liza Andriyani, Lavinia Tananta, Angelique Widjaja, Grace Sari Ysidora, Sandy Gumulya, Lutfiana Aris Budiharto dan Septi Mende. The two reserved players are Jessy Rompies dan Laili Rahmawati Ulfa. In men's doubles, there are eight pairs competing and they will be separated in two groups, while for women's doubles only four pairs will battle.

In women's singles, it is likely that Budiharto will not play next week since she is now studying at Wichita State University, Kansas. On the other hand, until yesterday "Ichiban" Gumulya did not give definite answer when she was asked whether to play in Jakarta or Dubai 75K. She just replied that it was ninety percent without specific detail to choose which tourney. When the press asked further about the ten percent, abruptly Mrs. Widjaja, Gumulya's powerful big boss jumped in and said that the ten percent is in the case of her "golden girl" has injury. As of now, Gumulya is number 8 in the qualifying list of Dubai 75K. In my opinion, she has big chance to move-up into the main draw eventually.

Mrs. Widjaja expressed her upset that she only saw few players attended the presscon yesterday. Though "Sportama" has notified the players but only Hendri Susilo Pramono, Surya Wijaya Budi, Edy Kusdaryanto, Sandy Gumulya, Ayu Fani Damayanti, Lavinia Tananta, Jessy Rompies, Angelique Widjaja and the youngest of the pack Grace Sari Ysidora showed-up. It is a pity that the other players still have lack of respect and appreciation towards the sponsors for whatever reason. It is such common attitude within many Indonesian players.

The draws will be conducted by captain of the captains, Mr. Satar himself on December 9, 2008 and it will be followed with "Welcome Party" at the Executive Club of Sultan Hotel, in the heart of hustle and bustle Jakarta.

Image of Sie is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi from Kompas Images

Photo of Widjaja by Adji Soedibjo

Elbert Sie lifted the trophy at "Alfamart Cup"

Numero uno of Indonesia, Elbert Sie, a Bandung resident added "Bandung success story" at "Alfamart Cup" as part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". Sie had a sweet revenge in the final after he fought brilliantly to win over second seed Christopher Rungkat 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. Top seed Sie lost to Rungkat in the semi-finals of the fourth serie in Solo sponsored by BTPN. Till this tourney, Sie has been taking part in total of three series as he won the title in the 3rd serie which was his 1st participation in "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series".

As counter puncher, Sie is known for his persistency and strong fight attitude similar to Aussie Lleyton Hewitt. While Rungkat has complete strokes and he could play with choices of stroke as needed. Sie suffered two bad calls which made 2-2 in the early opening set and since then Sie lost his focus and became emotional as Rungkat bombarded his attacks from the baseline.

The match got so close from point to point and it was obvious causing both players to wear down gradually. Fast ball speed was dominant throughout the match with combination of top spins and flat returns from Sie and Rungkat. Eventually, Sie won the two remaining sets 7-5, 7-5.

This season both players tie at 2-2 in their head to head till the recent final. They looked forward to play against each other in the coming soon of "Garuda Indonesia Masters" on December 9, 2008 along with six other players.

Photo of Sie is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi from Kompas Images

Widjaja returned and claimed two titles in Jakarta

Former WTA 55 Angelique "Angie" Widjaja made her fans happy as she returned to play singles and grabbed the title at "Alfamart Cup", the fifth serie or final one as part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". These series of tourney has been organized by Angie and her team of former tennis players under the name of "Sportama".

Ever since the first serie was held, Angie has played only in doubles until the previous serie in Solo, Central Java where she was stopped by the eventual champion, Ayu Fani Damayanti in the singles' semi-final. In the quarter-final, as wild card Angie slammed Beatrice Gumulya 6-2, 7-5. Realizing her prospect to play in "Garuda Indonesia Masters" on December 9, 2008, then she decided to compete again in the final serie here at Sultan Hotel Executive Club, Jakarta. As wild card, Angie saw off teenager Tria Rizki Amalia 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round. Sixth seeded Mia Sacca was ousted by Angie 2-6, 0-6 in the second round.

In the quarter-final Angie was actually having "real final" against up and coming Grace Sari Ysidora. Both players used to be coach by Meiske Wiguna and then Angie for many years till she became pro with two WTA titles was trained by Deddy Tedjamukti. Tedjamukti then began to coach Ysidora and it has been almost a year now. In this match, both players Angie and Ysidora demonstrated their solid groundstrokes with long rallies involved. In the first set, Angie was leading 2-5 but then Ysidora fought back to level at 5 all. Eventually Angie complemented with her vast experience was able to secure the opening set 7-5.

In the second set, Angie took another lead, 5-1 but again Ysidora did not give up instead she fought hard to level it at 5 all. "De javu" as Angie closed it out 7-5. Angie praised her junior that she is talented with strong return serve but she added that Ysidora still lacked of mental toughness in finishing critical points. These two Bandung residents spent 2 hours and 7 minutes on the center court. In my opinion, Angie was still solid in her groundstrokes and for sure her well-known moon balls were quite effective but this time Ysidora pocketed the answers to handle them. Ysidora hit two aces during the match and she said that she was happy despite another defeat. In the first meeting with her senior at National Games' team event, Ysidora lost to Angie 6-2, 3-6, 5-7. She admitted that back then she still had problem in hitting back Angie's notorious moon balls.

In the semi-final, Angie gave shock theraphy and gunned down second seed Jessy Rompies 6-3, 7-6(11). It was quite good match indeed to witness. Rompies scared Angie with four aces but she also had three double faults. The other last four round was battle between top seed Lavinia Tananta and fourth seed Liza Andriyani. Andriyani stole the show with victory over Tananta 4-6, 6-1, 7-5. It was a big shock for Martina Widjaja's camp as Rompies and Tananta bowed out. Big question over the quality of their coaching method and tour management. After all, these young girls lost to their seniors who have lack of training exposure and no more overseas stints.

In the final, it was relatively easy for Angie to disptach Andriyani 6-3, 6-2. With this outcome, Angie is entitled to play at "Garuda Indonesia Masters" with the other seven players including Damayanti, Andriyani, Tananta and Ysidora to name a few.

In doubles, as top seeded Angie/Andriyani took the title as they defeated third seeded Septi Mende/Ysidora 6-1, 6-2. It was an anti-climax performance by Mende/Ysidora after their surprise victory over second seeded pair, Rompies/Tananta 7-6(6), 6-3 in the semi-final. It was such a blow for "Big Mama's camp". Ysidora was truly the star with her explosive return-serve.

Photo of Angie is courtesy of Dwi Ari Setiyadi in Kompas Images

Photo of Andriyani is by Adji Soedibjo published in indotennis.com

Sandy Gumulya forced to bid "sayonara" in the land of Geisha

The current number one of Indonesia Sandy Gumulya as per this week experienced her rank plummetted from WTA 250 to WTA 298. This new world rank is indeed lower than Gumulya's year-end rank at 243 in 2007. This week she participated in her 15th tourney of the season at “2008 Dunlop World Challenge Tennis Tournament”.

This tournament is fully sponsored by Toyota with total prize money of $ 75,000 and is staged at Sky Hall Toyota in Taraflex carpet indoor located in the city of Toyota, Aichi-prefecture, Japan. In the first round Gumulya crashed out immediately after defeated by lefty 18 years old from China, Han Xinyun 2-6, 3-6.

As the main draw was released last Sunday (11/23/2008), I have predicted that Gumulya would not have an easy match and even it was possible to lose in the end. I have met Han and witnessed her match at 2008 WTA Pattaya Open in early February. Despite her loss in the first round of qualifying against her compatriot Xu Yi-Fan in three sets, I acknowledged this Gemini girl as persistent, tough and equipped with quite solid ground strokes.

I was amazed with her track of record as rookie in pro level. In her first ever pro tourney in the month of November 2007, Han was given wild card in the main draw of 75K at Xiamen, China. She only bowed out to Chan Yung-Jan of Chinese Taipei in the quarter-final. This week in Toyota, it is her 13th tourney of the year. In doubles, Han's performance has been good as again in Xiamen she grabbed doubles title with Xu Yi-Fan. While her partnership with Xu reached its peak when they finished as runner-up at China Open Tier II in Beijing last September. It was no surprise at all that former tennis queen of Japan, Kimiko Date-Krumm requested Han to be her doubles partner at Toyota this week.

In the meantime, Gumulya agreed to partner with Kiwi Sacha Jones, a young New Zealander who was recently outclassed by Ayu Fani Damayanti in the final at Manila 10K this past week-end. Duo Gumulya/Jones put a strong fight in the opening round but eventually they were ousted by Yuka Kuroda/Ksenia Lykina (Japan/Russia) 6-3, 3-6, 5-10.

Photo is courtesy of commbanktennis.com