Susanto, Rompies and Gumulya cruised into quarter-finals at B1

After Indonesian players dropped like flies in the second round or round 32 last Wednesday (10/29/2008), yesterday three players advanced into the last eight round at “Balikpapan International Junior Championships 2008” an ITF grade B1 tourney in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

A Jakarta resident but she plays for East Kalimantan, third seeded Beatrice Gumulya forced to play tough battle by Thai descent Katherine Westbury of New Zealand. Gumulya fought back to claim her victory over Westbury 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Another East Kalimantan player and also a resident of Jakarta, second seeded Jessy Rompies survived the fierce challenge of Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul from Thailand and secured 7-6(5), 6-4 victory.

The last hope of Indonesia in boys' singles is 14th seeded David Agung Susanto from Semarang, Central Java. Currently coached by Deddy Tedjamukti, Susanto made an impressive run by defeating Dino Dell'Orto of Hong Kong with comfortable 6-1, 6-1. Earlier this year, Dell'Orto was a member of his country's Davis Cup team.

ITF grade B1 first ever in Indonesia

Susan Soebakti, a local business woman, is the Tournament Director of "Balikpapan International Junior Championships" and she made statement that this ITF grade B1 tournament in Balikpapan as the third tourney of its kind to be held in the world after only India and Thailand have hosted before. Her statement was quoted by reporters and in my opinion, she did not really know what she was talking about. She did not seem to understand how this particular B1 tourney was established. Was she simply ignorant, exaggerating, or naïve?

Prior to the tourney, Soebakti stated to reporters that only two Indonesian girls were direct entrants in the singles’ main draw. Obviously what she meant was second seeded Jessy Rompies and third seeded Beatrice Gumulya and she had the right to say it since both players were representing East Kalimantan in the last National Games in Balikpapan. As the Tournament Director did not she know that there were other direct entrants from Indonesia? So, Soebakti did not recognize the others such as Grace Sari Ysidora, Nadya Frederika, Laili Rahmawati Ulfa, Cynthia Melita, Bella Destriana, was it simply because they were not her players?

Fact or history is in no way to be manipulated or ignored. The current “Balikpapan International Junior Championships” is an ITF grade B1 tourney or only lower than ITF grade A like all Grand Slams or Osaka Mayor's Cup in Osaka, Japan and this tourney has started its first round (Round 64) on Tuesday (10/28/2008) at Balikpapan Tennis Stadium, East Kalimantan. Tracing back its history, this tourney began its debut as “Asian Closed Junior Tennis Championships” from April 11 to 17, 2005 and Seoul, South Korea had the privilege to be the host. At that this tourney only players from Asian countries were eligible to participate. Indonesian players who entered Seoul such as Elbert Sie, Faisal Aidil, Agung Bagus Dewantoro, Christopher Rungkat and Ayrton Wibowo. Best result was achieved by Elbert Sie who got into quarter-final and Ayrton Wibowo had the poorest performance since he crashed out immediately in the opening round.

Also in 2005, Bangkok, Thailand hosted the same tourney from October 25 to 30 at Rama Gardens Hotel Tennis Complex. Agung Bagus Dewantoro secured the best outcome by reaching round 16, while Faisal Aidil, Ayrton Wibowo and Christopher Rungkat ended in round 32. Only Lenz Theodor bowed out in the first round. In the girls’ category, Jessy Rompies and Vivien Silfany Tony reached round 32 while Lutfiana Aris Budiharto instantly lost in the opening round. Nowadays, Budiharto is studying and playing tennis at the same time at Wichita State University, Wichita, in Kansas, USA.

Then in 2006 this ITF grade B1 took place in Seogwipo, South Korea Selatan in the month of April where only Indonesian boys took part here and Faisal Aidil finished as quarter-finalist which was the best result among Indonesian boys. In October 2006, Bangkok, Thailand hosted again “Asian Closed Junior Championships”. In Bangkok, Lutfiana Aris Budiharto came out as the best performer among Indonesian girls by reaching round 16, while among the boys, Christopher Rungkat was the best among his compatriots by also reaching round 16.

In April 2007 this tourney was held in Chang-Hua, Chinese Taipei or Taiwan and no Indonesians were present. Then later in the same year, from October 29 to November 3, this ITF grade B1 altered its official name to be “Asia Oceania Closed Junior Championships” with extending the entrants from Oceania such as Australia, New Zealand. Again India became the host but this time New Delhi was chosen to hold the event. Only Jessy Rompies and Beatrice Gumulya represented Indonesia in the tourney. Rompies made it into quarter-final while Gumulya ended in round 16.

In April 2008 the tournament called as “Asian Closed Junior Championships” took place in Indore, India and indeed the participants came only from Asian nations. Only three Indonesian girls entered here and they were Jessy Rompies and Beatrice Gumulya reaching round 16 while Bella Destriana crashed out in the first round.

So, right now the second host of “Asia Oceania Closed Junior Championships” after New Delhi is Balikpapan. In girls' singles main draw, Indonesia had 17 players and as second and third seededs, Rompies and Gumulya received first round bye. Meanwhile in boys' side, Indonesia had 14 players in boys' singles main draw. The one and only Indonesian placed to be seeded was David Agung Susanto as 14th seeded.

In the first round or round 64, another seeded player beside Rompies and Gumulya was Grace Sari Ysidora as 12th seeded. Ysidora had relatively easy match and she outclassed Semarang, Central Java resident Cynthia Claire Mulyadi 6-1, 6-2. Four of 6 wild cards from Indonesia advanced to the second round. They were Karyn Emeralda who defeated Chelsea Te Tai of New Zealand, 7-5, 6-0, then Nadya Syarifah who needed extramiles to beat Indian player, Aishwarya Agrawal 6-4, 6-7(1), 7-6(5), then Angelika Jogasuria defeated Ankita Raina of India 6-3, 6-3 and Dina Karina was able to win the battle against Wan Yi Sweeting from Australia 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Defeat was experienced by 2 more wild cards, first Vanessa Gunawan bowed out to Bella Destriana 1-6, 2-6, while Asifa Ramadhani was beaten by Indian player, Arantxa Andrady 1-6, 1-6.

First round results of other Indonesian girls and boys:

Laili Rahmawati Ulfa defeated Tanaporn Thongsing (Thailand) 6-2, 6-3
Nadya Frederika lost to (13)Katherine Westbury (Selandia Baru) 1-6, 3-6
Aldila Sutjiadi lost to Jessica-Marie Agra (Filipina) 5-7, 6-7(3)
Cynthia Melita defeated Juan Ting-Fei (Chinese Taipei) 7-5, 2-6, 6-1
Angelina Jogasuria defeated Ashvarya Shrivastava (India) 6-3, 6-2
Faradila Rahmaningsih Usman lost to Harriet Sheahan (Australia) 0-6, 0-6
(WC)Michael Christian defeated Iben Zulkarnain 6-7(1), 6-2, 6-2
Dodi Irawan lost to Saurabh Singh (India) 0-6, 0-6
Gusti Jayakusuma lost to (15)-Christopher Marquis (India) 3-6, 2-6
Ega Uneputty defeated Shiva Sangwan (India) 7-5, 6-3
Aditya Ichsandi Haris lost to Srikar Alla (India) 2-6, 4-6
(WC)Gavin Pranata lost to Sebastian Lavie (Selandia Baru) 4-6, 2-6
(WC)Yosua Adiyasa lost to (16)-Juan Los Santos (Malaysia) 2-6, 2-6
Indra Wijaya lost to Vaidik Munshaw (India) 1-6, 3-6
(WC) Garcia Rangan lost to Gugan Varma (India) 2-6, 0-6
Louis Theodor defeated (WC)Daniel Manoah Yosua 6-3, 6-2
Ivan Regan Krijanto lost to (WC)Mohit Mayur Jayapraksah (India) 0-6, 4-6
(14)-David Agung Susanto defeated Kriangkrai Prajoubphansri (Thailand) 7-5, 1-6, 6-1

Clean sweep by Gumulya & Basuki/Tedjakusuma in Augusta 25K

So far away from their homeland, Sandy Gumulya and doubles pair Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma captured the titles in singles and doubles of “Comcast Professional Women’s Challenger” tournament with total prize money of US $ 25,000 which was completed in Augusta, Georgia, USA yesterday. While we are familiar with clean sweep in WTA Sony Ericsson tours by bigger "tennis" countries such as Russia, USA this season, certainly this outcome created by Indonesian players has made local tennis fans happy.

In her third appearance of 25K’s final after Traralgon and Pune last year, eight seeded Gumulya was motivated to end her US tour in such high note. A daughter of former national male cyclist and former national female diver, the hunger of winning was demonstrated by 22 years old Gumulya and she gave her utmost capacity to beat third seeded Tetiana Luzhanska of Ukraine with 6-0, 7-6(5) victory. By grabbing this title, Gumulya is now having two titles of 25K in her professional career. As for this season, she has collected two titles now after 10K in Solo last July.

Meanwhile, such big applause is certainly for duo Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma who reached the finals back to back after Lawrenceville 50K last week. This time, Basuki/Tedjakusuma fought hard to secure their title by winning the fierce battle against third seeded pair, Mailen Auroux/Roxane Vaisemberg (Argentina/Brazil) 6-3, 4-6, 10-5. As pair, Basuki and Tedjakusuma now accumulated two titles of 25K after they got their first one in Hechingen, Germany last August.

The last 25K when Indonesian players dominated with titles in singles and doubles was in the year of 2005. No better place than at Ho Chi Minh City where Wynne Prakusya claimed singles' title and then Prakusya partnered with Romana Tedjakusuma grabbed the doubles' title.

Gumulya and Basuki/Tedjakusuma reached finals in Augusta 25K

Indonesian numero uno, Sandy Gumulya continued her winning streak by stepping into final of “Comcast Professional Women's Challenger” with total prize money of US $ 25,000 in Augusta, Georgia, USA. The same weather interruption as happened last week on Friday in Lawrenceville, Georgia, also washed out Augusta tourney two days ago. Only yesterday, the tourney's committee resumed the matches of singles' quarter-finals and semi-finals along with doubles' semi-finals.

In the last eight round, eight seeded Gumulya outclassed 16 years old wild card recipient from Maryland, Beatrice Capra in comfortable 6-3, 6-3 victory. After having sufficient rest, Gumulya returned to the court to play her semi-final and after tough and close battle, Gumulya eventually prevailed to win over seventh seeded, Audra Cohen of USA 5-7, 6-4, 7-5. Cohen is currently at WTA 243 and is only 19 days younger than Gumulya, created an upset over the top seeded Jorgelina Cravero from Argentina 1-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the quarter-final. In the final, Gumulya will face third seeded Tetiana Luzhanska of Ukraine (WTA 217) who defeated 16 years old qualifier, Christina Mchale of USA(WTA 461) 6-4, 7-5 in the other semi-final.

It is only Gumulya's third 25K's final appearance of her pro career here in Augusta. In 2007, Gumulya reached two finals in Traralgon, Victoria, Australia and then in Pune, India where she went all the way to claim her maiden 25K's title.

Meanwhile, veterans Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma maintained their winning trend by beating local wild card, Julia Boserup/Alison Riske 6-4, 7-6(3) in the semi-final. In the final duo Basuki/Tedjakusuma still have to wait the winner of semi-final match between Audra Cohen/Megan Moulton-Levy both from USA and third seeded pair, Mailen Auroux/Roxane Vaisemberg (Argentina/Brazil) which will be played before singles' final today.

Gumulya and Basuki/Tedjakusuma move forward at Augusta 25K

Number one player of Indonesia, Sandy Gumulya passed the hurdle in the second round of “Comcast Professional Women's Challenger” in Augusta, Georgia, USA. In her fourth tourney in the land of Robby Ginepri, as eight seeded Gumulya was able to deny the challenge of this year US Open Junior champion and a qualifier here, Coco Vandeweghe (USA/WTA 414) in grueling 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-2. Therefore, Gumulya moved into quarter-final in this tourney with total prize money of $ 25,000 and will face local wild card, Beatrice Capra. Currently at WTA 781 and still 16 years old, Capra a resident of Maryland is fresh from winning grade B1 tourney called “Pan American Closed ITF Championships” in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. Capra shocked everyone earlier in the first round by defeating fourth seeded, Madison Brengle of USA 7-6(5), 6-4.

In doubles, Gumulya who partnered with Slovenian Petra Rampre immediately crashed out to second seeded, Jorgelina Cravero/Veronica Spiegel both from Argentina 6-7(7), 3-6 in the opening round.

Meanwhile, two veterans Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma reached semi-final. In the first round, Basuki/Tedjakusuma edged past fourth seeded, Agustina Lepore/Story Tweedy-Yates (Argentina/USA) 6-4, 6-3 and their winning trend continued on after gunning down qualifier, Brittany Augustine/Tiya Rolle of USA. Basuki/Tedjakusuma won easily 6-2, 6-2. In the semi-final, they will have rematch against local pair, Julia Boserup/Alison Riske who defeated second seeded, Cravero/Spiegel 7-5, 7-6(2). Last week, Basuki/Tedjakusuma outclassed Boserup/Riske in the opening round at Lawrenceville 50K in Georgia.

In junior event, miles away to the west in El Paso, Texas, 13th seeded Nadia Ravita ended her action in the third round or round 16. In her first ever ITF grade 5, Ravita bowed out to local player, Nicole Melichar 3-6, 1-6. Next Ravita is scheduled to play in qualifying round of ITF grade 2 in Lexington, South Carolina which will be slated this week-end.

Ravita continues on, Ysidora falls

Nadia Ravita, 14 years old from Jakarta, continues on to the third round (round 16) at "El Paso Youth Tennis Center Open" an ITF grade 5 tourney in El Paso, Texas, USA. After three months training at International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida, Ravita experiences her maiden championship in the land of Chris Evert. It is also her first time playing ITF grade 5 as a surprise. Currently at ITF 954, Ravita's best outcome was at Surabaya grade 4 last year when she reached quarter-final. In the opening round (round 64) as 13th seeded, Ravita fought hard to beat Jessie Huang of California, USA 6-4, 1-6, 6-3. Yesterday, in the second round, Ravita won easily over 17 years old Texan Abby Hayley 6-1, 6-0. In round 16, Ravita, daughter of former national players Hawin Sutopo and Lukky Tedjamukti, will face 15 years old Nicole Melichar of USA. Ranked 1072, Melichar, was successfully crushing third seeded, 14 years old Jessica Pegula of USA (ITF 575) 7-6, 6-1.

Thousands miles away in Nonthaburi, Thailand, 15 years old Grace Sari Ysidora falls in the third round (round 16) at "LTAT Junior Championships 2008" - an ITF grade 2 tourney. Currently ranked 131 and as eight seeded, Ysidora bowed out to her nemesis in U-14 tours, Thai prodigy Luksika Kumkhum (ITF 265) 4-6, 3-6. Both players battled in a very hot condition and Grace played quite bad as she admitted herself. Yesterday, the top seeded Fatma Al Nabhani of Oman crashed out in the second round when she had to play three sets under very hot sun. Afterwards she passed out and was rushed to the nearest hospital.

In the first round (round 64), Ysidora received bye. Then in the second round (round 32), she won easily 6-2, 6-2 over wild card Napatsakorn Sankew of Thailand. In doubles, Ysidora partnered with Zhao Di from China and this duo is placed as seventh seeded. After getting first round bye (round 32), tonight Ysidora/Zhao faced Prang Pantusart/Kobkanok Upapong both from Thailand. First time playing together, Ysidora/Zhao lost to solid Pantusart/Upapong 0-6, 3-6. Zhao forced herself to play despite waist problem, as result she could not play at her best.

Sandy moves into second round in Augusta 25K

Currently at WTA 255, Sandy Gumulya is placed as 8th seeded at "Comcast Professional Women's Challenger" with total prize money of $ 25,000 in Augusta, Georgia, USA. In her opening round, once again Gumulya outclassed her senior, Romana Tedjakusuma, 6-1, 6-4. Up next in the second round, Gumulya is scheduled to clash with New York born Coco Vandeweghe of USA. A qualifier, Vandeweghe who is almost 17 years old defeated Venezuelan, Gabriela Paz, 6-3, 6-3. It was a rematch between Vandeweghe and Paz indeed after the final of US Open Junior last month when Vandeweghe was triumphant. With her current and best rank at WTA 414, Vandeweghe has produced good results this season and one of them was reaching quarter final at Las Vegas 50K as world ranked number 570 and in the first round she gunned down Iranian descent Aravane Rezai from France who was at WTA 53 at that time.

In doubles, Gumulya maintains her partnership with Slovenian Petra Rampre. Today, duo Gumulya/Rampre will play against second seeded Jorgelina Cravero/Veronica Spiegel from Argentina in the first round. Meanwhile, Indonesian pair Yayuk Basuki/Romana Tedjakusuma will challenge fourth seeded Agustina Lepore/Story Tweedy-Yates (Argentina/USA) in the opening round.

Basuki/Tedjakusuma finished as runner-up

Doubles pair comprised of former tennis queen of Indonesia, Yayuk Basuki, who partnered with veteran Romana Tedjakusuma created their best result as pair after they returned to play together in pro tour since last March. At the third challenger tourney in the land of Barack Obama which they took part, eventually at “The Gwinnett Sports Commission Women's $ 50K USTA Pro Tennis Classic” in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA this duo finished as runner-up. In the final, the two ladies hailed from Yogyakarta dan Surabaya gave their fierce fight against top seeded, Julie Ditty/Carly Gullickson both from USA but barely to win 6-3, 4-6, 10-12.

In the semi-final, Yayuk/Romana defeated Audra Cohen/Megan Moulton-Levy from USA 6-2, 6-4. Their previous best outcome was taking the title at a challenger tourney with total prize money of $ 25,000 in Hechingen, Germany last August.

Meanwhile, the current number one of Indonesia, Sandy Gumulya, crashed out in quarter-final and for the second time Gumulya bowed out to former WTA 40, Shenay Perry of USA 4-6, 1-6. It was Gumulya's best performance here after 50K in Ashland, Kentucky and Troy, Alabama and her best was actually at Boston 50K in July 2007 when she reached semi-final.

Sandy Gumulya reaches quarter-final at Lawrenceville 50K

Number one player of Indonesia, Sandy Gumulya, reaches quarter-final at “The Gwinnett Sports Commission Women's $ 50K USTA Pro Tennis Classic” in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. Currently at WTA 253 this week, Gumulya did not have to work hard to earn victory over fourth seeded, Melinda Czink of Hungary in the first round. In the opening set when Gumulya led 4-1 then left-handed Czink chose to retire. Czink climbed up to WTA 114 this week after obtaining her first title of the season at 50K tourney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania last week.

In the second round, Gumulya defeated her doubles partner, Petra Rampre of Slovenia 6-4, 6-3. 29 years old Rampre is currently at WTA 369, and her highest rank was at WTA 162. In quarter-final, Gumulya will battle against Shenay Perry (WTA 313). This Washington DC born is a familiar face for Gumulya, as Perry won 6-1, 6-2 over Gumulya at Troy 50K in Alabama a couple weeks ago.

In doubles, duo Sandy/Rampre won their first round match over Russian pair, Angelina Gabueva/Arina Rodionova 6-3, 6-3. Sandy/Rampre then stopped by top seeded and USA pair, Julie Ditty/Carly Gullickson 3-6, 5-7 in quarter-final.

Meanwhile Romana Tedjakusuma crashed out in the first round after she was defeated by second seed Julie Ditty of USA 6-7(5), 2-6. In doubles, partnering with Yayuk Basuki, Romana was successful to reach semi-final. In the opening round, duo Yayuk/Romana edged past wild card and local young pair, Julia Boserup/Alison Riske 6-1, 6-3. In quarter-final yesterday, Yayuk/Romana crushed second seeded Melinda Czink/Angela Haynes (Hungaria/AS) 7-5, 3-6, 10-8.