Garuda Indonesia officially asserted its commitment as the main sponsor for “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series 2009” in its press conference at Mulia Hotel, Jakarta yesterday (April 7, 2009). Since last year “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series” began its presence and it was initiated by Sportama, a company formed by former national players such as Angelique Widjaja and Teddy Tanjung. In its second year existence, such full support from Garuda Indonesia in financing the biggest tourney in Indonesia will cover 5 (five) series of tournament with prize money of 150 million rupiahs per tourney and one final Masters with total prize money of 500 million rupiahs. Same as last year, final Masters is an exclusively for eight men and eight women who accumulate highest points at minimum in 3 series out of 5 from “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series 2009". Sportama has actually improved its rules by requiring each player at minimum must perform in 3 series in order to be eligible in final Masters. Last year, Sandy Gumulya who played only in the third one and came out as a winner, she became eligible to play final Masters.
The first of five series will be called “OkeShop Tennis Open” and it will start from April 19 through April 26, 2009 at Rasuna Tennis Complex, Jakarta. Widjaja plans to participate in the opening tourney as confirmed by Tournament Director, Teddy Tanjung. Numero uno of Indonesia, Christopher Rungkat will not be among the contenders, since he will play tourneys in Uzbekistan.
In press conference, some high-profiles were present such as President Director of Garuda Indonesia, Emirsyah Satar, then President of Indonesia Tennis Association, Martina Widjaja accompanied by Johannes Susanto, Head of Tournament Committee. Meanwhile from Sportama, its President Director Glen Sugita along with Tournament Director Teddy Tanjung were also present. In question and answer session with the press, “tennis diva” Martina Widjaja urged Garuda Indonesia and Sportama in the case of few top players are abroad on tour and their schedule is conflicted with “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series”, the lady boss suggested that points earned by those players overseas should be counted into their eligibility in playing final Masters. It was truly protectionism by “Big Mama” towards her own players in her tennis camp and for sure Garuda Indonesia and Sportama should just ignore her wishful thinking. It was obvious that Martina Widjaja did not have the capacity as a leader at all. No doubt, she is a big boss. It was truly her innate personal character as well as behavior and she always expects her cronies to follow whatever order she gives to them. Shame on Indonesian tennis!
Photos of press conference - courtesy of Yuslan from "Waspada" daily
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