Archive: Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters 2009

Second year of Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters 2009 was held from November 25 to 29, 2009 at Sultan Hotel in Jakarta. This big event with total prize money of 500 million rupiahs was organized by Sportama, a sport management company owned by former top 60s Angelique Widjaja and her colleagues. Prior to this Masters, Sportama had organized five tournaments in Jakarta, Tegal (Central Java), Palembang (South Sumatra) & Solo (Central Java). Only 8 male and female players who had accumulated the maximum points from at least three tourneys were eligible to play Masters.

MEN'S SINGLES

Garuda Group: Christopher Rungkat, Elbert Sie, David Agung Susanto, Ryan Tanujoyo

Round Robin - Results:
Christopher Rungkat d. Ryan Tanujoyo 62 61
Elbert Sie d. David Agung Susanto 64 64

Christopher Rungkat d. David Agung Susanto 60 75
Elbert Sie d. Ryan Tanujoyo 64 64

Elbert Sie d. Christopher Rungkat 63 64
David Agung Susanto d. Ryan Tanujoyo 64 64

Rajawali Group: Sunu Wahyu Trijati, Nesa Arta, Andrian Raturandang, Prima Simpatiaji

Round Robin - Results:
Sunu Wahyu Trijati d. Nesa Arta 62 36 76(2)
Prima Simpatiaji d. Andrian Raturandang 67(3) 61 40 ret

Sunu Wahyu Trijati d. Andrian Raturandang 61 64
Nesa Arta d. Prima Simpatiaji 61 36 76(6)

Sunu Wahyu Trijati d. Prima Simpatiaji 63 63
Nesa Arta d. Andrian Raturandang 61 46 62

Semi-finals:
Christopher Rungkat d. Sunu Wahyu Trijati 60 63
Nesa Arta d. Elbert Sie 63 62

Final:
Christopher Rungkat d. Nesa Arta 61 36 75


WOMEN'S SINGLES

Cendrawasih Group: Ayu Fani Damayanti, Romana Tedjakusuma, Jessy Rompies, Laili Rahmawati Ulfa

Round Robin - Results:
Ayu Fani Damayanti d. Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 60 64
Romana Tedjakusuma d. Jessy Rompies 62 62

Ayu Fani Damayanti d. Jessy Rompies 62 64
Romana Tedjakusuma d. Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 61 61

Ayu Fani Damayanti d. Romana Tedjakusuma 63 76(4)
Jessy Rompies d. Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 64 64

Merak Group: Lavinia Tananta, Beatrice Gumulya, Cynthia Melita, Rani Fitria Wardani

Round Robin - Results:
Lavinia Tananta d. Rani Fitria Wardani 61 60
Cynthia Melita d. Beatrice Gumulya 75 63

Beatrice Gumulya d. Rani Fitria 61 63
Lavinia Tananta d. Cynthia Melita 46 63 62

Lavinia Tananta d. Beatrice Gumulya 76(4) 60
Cynthia Melita d. Rani Fitria Wardani 62 64

Semi-finals:
Ayu Fani Damayanti d. Cynthia Melita 62 60
Lavinia Tananta d. Romana Tedjakusuma 60 64

Final:
Ayu Fani Damayanti d. Lavinia Tananta 60 63


MEN'S DOUBLES

Elang Group:
Christopher Rungkat/Nesa Arta d. Agung Bagus Dewantoro/Fandi Suyadi 63 62
Andrian Raturandang/David Agung Susanto d. Michael Christian/Surya Wijaya 76(2) 62

Christopher Rungkat/Nesa Arta d. Michael Christian/Surya Wijaya 63 61
Andrian Raturandang/David Agung Susanto d. Agung Bagus Dewantoro/Fandi Suyadi 76(2) 62

Christopher Rungkat/Nesa Arta d. Andrian Raturandang/David Agung Susanto 63 62
Michael Christian/Surya Wijaya d. Agung Bagus Dewantoro/Fandi Suyadi 63 63

Kasuari Group:
Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati d. Ariawan Poerboadinoto/Edy Kusdaryanto 63 63
Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto d. Elbert Sie/Ryan Tanujoyo 64 76(5)

Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati d. Elbert Sie/Ryan Tanujoyo 26 64 61
Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto d. Ariawan Poerboadinoto/Edy Kusdaryanto 63 76(3)

Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati d. Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto 63 63
Ariawan Poerboadinoto/Edy Kusdaryanto d. Elbert Sie/Ryan Tanujoyo 76(4) ret

Semi-finals:
Christopher Rungkat/Nesa Arta d. Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto 61 63
Andrian Raturandang/David Agung Susanto d. Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati 75 64

Final:
Christopher Rungkat/Nesa Arta d. Andrian Raturandang/David Agung Susanto 63 61

WOMEN'S DOUBLES

Play-off:
Eny Sulistyowati/Laili Rahmawati Ulfa d. Nathania Ratih/Rani Fitria Wardani 63 62

Semi-finals:
Jessy Rompies/Beatrice Gumulya d. Cynthia Melita/Bella Destriana 63 63
Ayu Fani Damayanti/Lavinia Tananta d. Eny Sulistyowati/Laili Rahmawati Ulfa

Final:
Jessy Rompies/Beatrice Gumulya d. Ayu Fani Damayanti/Lavinia Tananta 64 63

Bandung's domination at OkeShop Tennis Open

Wild card and fifth seed Angelique Widjaja demonstrated a smart game over the week and continued on Sunday (April 26, 2009) to end third seed Beatrice Gumulya’s run and won “OkeShop Tennis Open”, the first leg of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". Returning to local scene after four months, once ranked as high as WTA 55, Bandung resident Widjaja outclassed 19 years old Gumulya 6-2, 6-4. “It is a surprise as I did not prepare well enough especially I have been weak physically,” Widjaja admitted. She added,”If I had to go through three sets, I would have lost for sure.”

In semi-finals, Widjaja had an easy outing as she was too much for fourth seed Mia Sacca. Former Junior Wimbledon winner in 2001 crushed her opponent 6-0, 3-0 retired. Sacca has been having health problem in the last two years and her decision to give-up came as no surprise. Meanwhile Gumulya reached her back to back final after “Jakarta Governor Cup” as she edged past her club mate, erratic second seed Jessy Rompies 6-3, 2-6, 7-5. In all Gumulya’s performances at national pro circuit, she is famous as runner-up specialist.

In men’s singles, the final was a perfect one as top seed Elbert Sie played against birthday boy and second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati. Despite of mediocre appearance, also Bandung resident Sie still managed to seal a triumph and ruined Trijati’s birthday with 6-4, 6-3 victory. In semi-finals, Sie cruised past fourth seed Prima Simpatiaji 6-3, 6-1. In the second set when Sie was up 3-0, the match was interrupted as his opponent Simpatiaji asked for a medical time out as he felt pain on his knee. As for Trijati, he ousted veteran and third seed Andrian Raturandang 5-2, 6-3 in the other match of last four round.

In women’s doubles, third seed pair Bella Destriana/Cynthia Melita shocked Big Mama’s camp as they fought hard to beat top seed duo Beatrice Gumulya/Jessy Rompies 6-4, 1-6, 10-8 in the final. Immediately upon such defeat, the everlasting coach at Big Mama camp, Suzanna Anggarkusuma, reprimanded her girls in front of the public as her confidant, Marieke Gunawan and camp manager, Paquita Widjaja looked on.

In the meantime, an aroma of triumphant had been shown by "tomboy" duo Destriana/Melita as they made an upset over second seed pair Lavinia Tananta/Angelique Widjaja 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 in semi-finals. While duo Gumulya/Rompies breezed past Laili Rahmawati Ulfa/Eny Sulistyowati 6-3, 6-2 in the other semi-finals.

In men’s doubles, the title was claimed by top seed duet Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati after they came from behind to defeat second seed pair Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto 6-7, 6-4, 10-8. In the last four round, duo Simpatiaji/Trijati edged past third seed pair Agung Bagus Dewantoro/Faisal Aidil 6-1, 6-7(4), 10-7, while Hari Sasongko/Setyawanto cruised past veteran duo Ariawan Poerboadinoto/Edy Kusdaryanto 6-3, 6-2.

Photos of Destriana/Melita, Angelique Widjaja, Angelique Widjaja & Elbert Sie are courtesy of Sportama

Widjaja sees-off top seed Tananta

Wild card and fifith seed Angelique Widjaja cruised into semifinals of "OkeShop Open" after she ousted top seed Lavinia Tananta in quarterfinals yesterday(April 24, 2009). An initiator of this "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series", Widjaja trailed 0-2 in the early opening set, then she broke Tananta's serve in fourth and sixth games to lead 4-2. Last year winner of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters" Tananta managed to earn one game before Widjaja closed it out 6-3.

In the second set, former numero uno in Indonesia, Widjaja kept on rolling and had an early lead 2-0. Then she was able to break Tananta's serve again to have 4-1 lead. Eventually Widjaja sealed 6-2 victory in the second set. In semi-finals, Widjaja will face fourth seed Mia Sacca who booted out sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa 6-2, 6-2.

Meanwhile third seed Beatrice Gumulya had a relatively comfortable win over seventh seed Cynthia Melita 6-2, 6-3. Gumulya will clash with second seed Jessy Rompies in the last four round. In the last eight round, Rompies was simply in control over her opponent, qualifier Vita Taher. Hard hitter Rompies crushed Taher 6-1, 6-0.

In men's singles, top seed Elbert Sie breezed past seventh seed Andery Setyawanto 6-0,6-0 and booked his place in semi-finals against fourth seed Prima Simpatiji. Simpatiaji defeated sixth seed Sebastian Dacosta 6-4, 6-4. Meanwhile second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati also advanced into the last four round after he outclassed 12th seed Hendri Susilo Pramono 6-2, 6-2.

Photos are courtesy of Sportama

Younger Syarifah gave a jittery test to experienced Rahmawati Ulfa

From "OkeShop Tennis Open" which is part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series", wild card Nadya Syarifah almost made an upset of the day in the second round. 15 years old Syarifah hails from rice town of Cianjur, West Java applied her speed and power game against 17 years old sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa from Wonogiri, Central Java. In the opening set, both players fought hard to earn points but Syarifah eventually closed it out 6-4. In the second set, Rahmawati Ulfa played better with her variety of strokes to win 6-3 and forced into the third set. In the final set, Syarifah played well and led 4-3, 6-5 but in critical moments her opponent showed better mental toughness. Finally, experience paid-off and Rahmawati Ulfa barely made it 7-6(5).

In the quarterfinals, Rahmawati Ulfa will challenge her senior, Mia Sacca, as they are trained at the same tennis camp owned by former queen Yayuk Basuki. Fourth seed Sacca dispatched Vanesa Gunawan 6-3, 6-1. Meanwhile top seed Lavinia Tananta still had no hard labor as she crushed Dwi Aryana from Surabaya 6-0, 6-0. Tananta will face former number one Angelique Widjaja in the last eight round. Wild card and fifth seed Widjaja still did not play her best but managed to defeat Maya Rosa 6-2, 6-3. Second seed Jessy Rompies resumed her real game as she ousted Bella Destriana with comfortable 6-2, 6-2 victory. In quarterfinals, Rompies will meet qualifier Vita Taher of Bekasi, West Java. Small but already 16 years old Taher who is coached by her own father, tasted her best performance in national pro circuit as she edged past qualifier Evita Febrihabsari of Semarang 7-5, 6-3.

Younger sister of Sandy Gumulya, third seed Beatrice Gumulya also posted a relatively easy victory over Rani Fitria Wardhani of Yogyakarta 6-2, 6-2. In the last eight round, Gumulya will face challenge from seventh seed Cynthia Melita. Melita had an easy outing as she crushed Dina Karina 6-0, 6-1.

From yesterday's second round matches, after getting opening round bye top seed Elbert Sie of Bandung, West Java cruised past Ivan Regan Krijanto 6-1, 6-3. Recent member of Davis Cup team, second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati also advanced into round 16 after he saw-off Setyo Dwi Adrianto of Semarang, Central Java 6-2, 6-3. An easy stint also claimed by fourth seed Prima Simpatiaji as he breezed past Aditya Ichsandi Haris 6-2, 6-2. Meanwhile veteran but third seed Andrian Raturandang defeated Jeremy Ryan Alexander 6-4, 6-3, then fifth seed Balinese Nesa Arta won over East Kalimantan player, Gusti Jayakusuma 6-2, 6-2.

In the opening round of women's doubles, second seed pair Lavinia Tananta/Angelique Widjaja survived the scare as they barely won over Nadia Frederika/Rani Fitria Wardhani 6-2, 3-6, 10-4.

Photos of Nadya Syarifah by Adji Soedibjo, Laili Rahmawati Ulfa by kabarindonesia.com, Beatrice Gumulya by Iwan Tri Wahyudi/IndoPos, Elbert Sie by Dwi Ari Setiyadi

Widjaja returns with easy victory

Former numero uno of Indonesia, Angelique "Angie" Widjaja returned to the scene where she used to be a star. At "OkeShop Tennis Open" tournament which began yesterday (April 21, 2009), Angie, as wild card but at the same time fifth seed here earned her opening round victory over another wild card, 14 years old Aldila Sutjiadi 6-2, 6-2. Former world's top 60 player, Angie lost her momentum in the early part of second set as she trailed 0-2 and her younger opponent forced her to face deuces. Then Angie broke Sutjiadi's serve and claimed her lead 3-2 then all the way to secure her win.

This tourney is the first leg of five and it is part of "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series". Each leg provides total prize money of 150 million rupiahs and it will be held until April 26, 2009 at Rasuna Tennis Complex, Jakarta.

For the first time, "Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" is not having umpire and line officials for the match. For Angie, she recalled her junior years when she used to play without supervision of an umpire. Umpire and line officials will be present from quarterfinals.

In the next round, Angie will face "come back" Maya Rosa who disposed Prima Lestari 6-2 6-3. Rosa was known as a talented player and she is in the same age group with Sandy Gumulya and Septi Mende. Also advancing into second round were wild card Nadya Syarifah who ousted Dwi Rahayu Pitri 6-2, 6-2. Meanwhile Bella Destriana from South Sumatera crushed a girl from Solo in Central Java, Nathania Ratih 6-0, 6-0. Fourth seed Mia Sacca also cruised into the next round together with sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa. Sacca booted out Dina Azwar 6-1, 6-2, while Ulfa saw-off Lauren Lang 6-1, 6-1. Other winners were Rani Fitria Wardhani of Yogyakarta who edged past Voni Darlina 6-3, 7-6(7), then Vanesa Gunawan cruised past Asifa Ramadhani 6-2, 6-1 and Evita Febrihapsari eased past Feronika Katarina 6-1, 6-0. Shock of the day was made by Vita Taher who fought hard to beat eighth seed Dewi Fortuna 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.

Today the tourney continued with the remaining first round matches. In the battle of Semarang residents, top seed Lavinia Tananta crushed Cynthia Claire Mulyadi 6-0, 6-0. While second seed Jessy Rompies faced a scare but she managed to win over wild card Nadia Frederika 6-3, 4-6, 6-0 as her head coach Suzanna Anggarkusuma and her parents looked on. Third seed Beatrice Gumulya did not have to work hard as she breezed past Kely Restiani Putri 6-0, 6-2. Just arrived from Australia, seventh seed Cynthia Melita had an easy otuing as she crushed Cynthia Wibawa 6-1, 6-0. Last but not least, Dina Karina and Tria Rizki Amalia had to complete their battle today due to rain delay yesterday. In the end, Karina had better mental toughness as she prevailed to beat Amalia 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

In men's category, Ivan Regan Krijanto edged past Louis Theodor 6-2 6-2. Meanwhile,
Setyo Dwi Adrianto, a player from Semarang ousted Prisca Titan 6-1 6-1. Then former numero uno of Indonesia, Febi Widhiyanto had a slight difficulty in the second set but he overcame such problem and won over Limpad Nurahmad 6-2 7-6(4).

Photo of Angelique Widjaja is courtsy of Iwan Tri Wahyudi/IndoPos

"Garuda Indonesia Tennis Series" is coming to town

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

Duo R, Rungkat and Rompies new winners of Cigna Open 2009

The most prestigious national tourney known as “Cigna Open” in its 10th consecutive year finally ended yesterday and the main sponsor PT Asuransi Cigna can be proud as their tourney is indeed still rain survivor all these years. The final day at Sultan Hotel Executive Club was interrupted with showers for several times. Men's singles final was scheduled at 09.30 AM and soon after both players, top seed Christopher Rungkat and fifth seed Nesa Arta completed their warm-up, the match was postponed due to rain. Then after such delay, the match continued only until Rungkat was ahead 3-2 (0-30) and rain fell again. After 1 hour and 10 minutes or so, the battle between two Davis Cup team mates was resumed and as predicted Rungkat played very well with higher level of tennis than his opponent. Equipped with agile footwork, good return serve and precised shot placement, Rungkat was practically control the whole match with 6-2, 6-1 victory. As Rungkat took his first title here at this tourney, he set the benchmark as the youngest ever winner of "Cigna Open". In my opinion, his achievement will be a record for along time, as I do not see any prospective young boy as of now or even in the near future.

Women's singles final fielded top seed and recent Fed Cup team member, Jessy Rompies who defeated third seed and fans' favorite Grace Sari Ysidora 6-4, 6-2. Ysidora began her campaign with holding serve and suddenly it rained again. Both finalists had to wait for about 4 hours until they resumed their final match at court number 9 as the sun went down already. Apparently the center court was not dry enough for the showdown. Eventually Rompies ended her rusty condition in a revenge stint over Ysidora. She looked confident and fresher than her younger opponent despite such long delay.

As for Ysidora, she did not seem to be in her best physical condition and she did not apply her typical attacking game at all. In the second set, only in three games, fans could witness an intense fight between the two players. Rompies deserved to claim "Cigna Open" title for the very first time as she was already runner-up last year. While Ysidora became the second youngest runner-up in the history of "Cigna Open" after Lutfiana Aris Budiharto made it in 2006.

Match statistics: Rompies (58% 1st serve percentage, 5 aces, 3 double faults, 15 winners, 26 unforced errors); Ysidora (63% 1st serve percentage, no ace and double fault, 9 winners, 26 unforced errors).

Men's doubles final on court number 4 became a close battle only in the second set. In the opening set, top seed pair Rungkat/Arta sealed 6-1 victory. Then the older pair and second seed, Andrian Raturandang/Bonit Wiryawan challenged the younger pair all the way to force tie break but in the end, Rungkat/Arta secured 7-4 to win it. So, both Rungkat and Rompies were successful in grabbing singles and doubles titles.

For the next "Cigna Open", it will be nice to provide players' lounge as it is a common facility for players based on my observation when I visited ATP Bangkok, WTA Pattaya, Japan Open in Tokyo for example. All these years, at the "gazebo" of Sultan Hotel I experienced a crowded atmosphere where officials, players, families and journalists were all flocked in the same area. In the case of player does not attend the opening ceremony, prize money deduction must be higher, not only ten percent but it can be between thirty to fifty percent. Therefore, some arrogant top players and even mediocre players who claimed to be good, they should check-in into themselves whether or not they are ready to sharpen their professional attitude.

Picture is private collection

Ysidora ousted Gumulya to challenge Rompies in the final

The prestigious "10th Cigna Open" completed semi-finals of men's singles, women's singles and men's doubles along with women's doubles final yesterday at The Executive Club of Sultan Hotel, Jakarta. The first two matches were men's singles semi-finals at 9 AM. On the center court, top seed Christopher Rungkat battled against fourth seed Andrian Raturandang. Highly experienced Raturandang earned his first game immediately but then Rungkat romped with six games in a row to close the opening set 6-1.

In the second set, Indonesian numero uno Rungkat quickly cruised to lead 3-1. Raturandang kept the ball in play and challenged his much younger opponent to level it up 3-3. From then on, Rungkat was unstoppable with such better game penetration into Raturandang's weak spots to end the match 6-3. In the other semi-final showdown of two Davis Cup team mates, fifth seed Nesa Arta fired back from a deficit to beat the defending champion and second seed, Sunu Wahyu Trijati 3-6, 6-2, 6-0. In the final, Arta will play hot favorite Rungkat and it will be their second final against each other after "Garuda Indonesia Masters Series" last December when Rungkat came out as the winner.

Continued on the center court, it was women's singles semi-final between wild card yet second seed Beatrice Gumulya who clashed with third seed Grace Sari Ysidora. Opening the first set, Ysidora held her own serve with love game to be on board 1-0. It was Gumulya's turn to hold her serve then, 1-1. Ysidora did not waste her time to speed-up her pace to further lead 3-1 after she held another serve and broke Gumulya's. Younger sister of Sandy Gumulya instantly broke back to make it closer, 3-2. Ysidora played with her typical attacking game in earning two more games to reach set point 5-2. But then Gumulya was able to hold her serve to closer the gap 5-3 and in the end Ysidora stayed aggressive to take the opening set 6-3.

In the early part of the second set, Ysidora romped to lead 2-0 and Gumulya held her serve to make it 2-1. Since then Ysidora consistently hit various shots into the baseline and did not give Gumulya chances to utilize her own game. 15 years old Ysidora closed the match by breaking 18 years old Gumulya's serve as she hit forehand winner and sealed comfortable 6-1 in second set.

During the match, Ysidora had 14 winners, 16 unforced errors, 62% first serve percentage with no double fault. While Gumulya had 6 winners, 29 unforced errors, 56% first serve percentage and 2 double faults. Such victory by Ysidora over Gumulya was no surprise at all. Prior to this meeting, Ysidora has been leading 2-0 in her head to head with Gumulya. Both wins of Ysidora happened in 2007. At U-16 National Selection, Ysidora who was 13 years old at that time defeated 16 years old Gumulya then 6-2, 6-4. Later on at ITF Grade 4 in Solo, Central Java, Ysidora gunned down Gumulya 6-4, 6-3 in the final. Ysidora claimed her first ITF Grade 4 title when she was only 13 years old at Brunei in 2006 and until last June, this Batak descendant has collected total of 4 ITF Grade titles. In contrast, Gumulya a "late bloomer" just got her maiden ITF Grade 4 title at Solo, Central Java last November. Ysidora decided to play higher ITF Grade tourney so she played ITF Grade 3 in Sarawak where she was semi-finalist.

After three ealier rounds of topsy turvy for Rompies, this top seed had a relief yesterday as her semi-final match was so easy. Rompies took the first set 6-2 over fourth seed Mia Sacca then Sacca chose to retire due to her illness. Later in the day, Rompies returned to the court with her doubles partner, Gumulya and as top seed pair was scheduled to play against third seed duo Bella Destriana/Cynthia Melita. As solid pair, Rompies/Gumulya experienced difficulty as duet Destriana/Melita showed their fighting spirit towards doubles' semi-finalists at US Open 2008. Eventually, Rompies/Gumulya grabbed the title with 6-4, 6-4 victory.

In men's doubles semi-finals, top seed pair Rungkat/Arta slightly struggled against unseeded duet of Peter Handoyo/Andery Setyawanto but they managed to win 6-4, 6-4. In another semifinal, second seed pair Andrian Raturandang/Bonit Wiryawan had an easy stint as they crushed fifth seed duo Michael Christian/Surya Wijaya Budi 6-1, 6-2.

In the middle of “Cigna Open” tennis enthusiasts still talked about lack of intention to play for this tourney by the "elite" players of "Big Mama" camp. As informed by one of the officials of Indonesia Tennis Association, the "elite" camp's forever head coach, Suzanna Anggarkusuma apparently did not plan her entourage to enter "Cigna Open" at all. By doing it, the "elite" camp showed a disrespect attitude towards PT Asuransi Cigna, the main sponsor of this popular national tourney. Furthermore, an official from Indonesia Tennis Association conveyed that Anggarkusuma arrogantly asked for an appearance fee if her entourage asked to play for any tourney in the future. Such manner by her was not surprising at all as she has been notorious in creating controversies for many years. Anggarkusuma has been enjoying "privilege" status by hiding behind "tennis diva" Martina Widjaja's very expensive gown. It is truly a chronic disease inside "elite" Indonesian tennis and it has been lingering for many years but no one dares to speak-up or to criticize such irresponsible conduct. It is now or never to have a major overhaul within Indonesian Tennis in particular the "first layer" of it. Or else, tennis freaks will topple this highly-confident tennis regime. Yes, the heat should be much hotter from now on.

Rompies' rustytale continues on

"10th Cigna Open" with total prize money of 200 million rupiahs completed quarter-finals in men's and women's singles category yesterday at Tennis Complex of Sultan Hotel's Executive Club in Jakarta yesterday. Top seed Jessy Rompies faced eighth seed and 15 years old Cynthia Melita from Salatiga, Central Java. It was truly a battle between a member and former member of "Big Mama" camp. Last year Melita Melita was trained at the elite camp owned by affluent Martina Widjaja for few months. Then she decided to leave the controversial camp with personal reason.

Rompies along the match still played an erratic game but with her solid groundstrokes she managed to take 6-1 in the opening set. Melita put more pressure by hitting strong forehand which made her older opponent to be frustrated. Rompies looked fragile mentally and as results, she made number of unforced errors. Melita's persistent effort paid-off as she closed the second set 6-4. In the final set, long rallies colored the match and Melita kept on shooting the balls into the baseline but eventually Rompies secured her semi-final spot with 6-1 victory.

Second seed and wild card, Beatrice Gumulya also faced another challenge by sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa but in the end Gumulya prevailed to win 6-3, 7-5. Third seed Grace Sari Ysidora played very bad in the first set as her improved opponent, a qualifier Angelika Jogasuria showed her typical flat two-handed forehand and backhand. Despite her sluggish performance, Ysidora took the first set 6-4. In the second set, 15 years old Ysidora slightly changed her game pattern and did not have trouble to finish the second set 6-1. Last but not least a "veteran" among the top four seeds, fourth seed Mia Sacca had such an easy match and defeated first time quarter-finalist in senior pro, Rani Fitria Wardhani, 6-3, 6-1. It will be perfect semi-finals as all top four seeds through. Rompies will be tested against Sacca while Gumulya will be challenged by Ysidora.

In men's singles, top seed Christopher Rungkat had a little scare in the first set, but he romped in the second set to secure his 6-4, 6-2 victory over 10th seed tall Aditya Hari Sasongko. Second seed and defending champion Sunu Wahyu Trijati did not have much problem to oust first time quarter-finalist in senior pro, 17 years old David Agung Susanto, 6-2, 6-0. In the battle of Davis Cup team mates, fifth seed Nesa Arta won back to back against third seed Prima Simpatiaji 6-2, 6-3. In the previous meeting, Arta also defeated Simpatiaji at "2008 Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters". The longest match was between fourth seed Andrian Raturandang and eighth seed Sebastian Dacosta as both players demonstrated a contest of variety of groundstrokes. Raturandang came from behind to beat Dacosta 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. In today's semi-finals, Rungkat will play against 32 years old Raturandang, while Trijati will face Arta.

Rusty Rompies Part Two

The most consistent and committed "10th Cigna Open" with total prize money of 200 million rupiahs became more interesting as per today, February 12, 2009. Top seed in women's singles, Jessy Rompies was still under pressure mentally and as consequence, she still played with below average level of performance in the second round against 14 years old Dina Karina. In the opening set, Rompies easily earned three games in a row and she began to face challenge from her younger opponent. Karina took an opportunity to play more aggressive and she fought harder and collected three games in a row to level-up, 3-3 and even Karina led 4-3. Then Rompies found her game back to close it out, 6-4. In the second set, soon to be 19 years old Rompies had an early lead again 3-1 and "deja vu", Karina kept on fighting to get into 3-3 again. An experienced player, Rompies regained her control of the game to lead 5-3 but Karina made her nervous as she made the gap closer to 4-5. Eventually, Rompies ended her erratic saga number two with 6-4 victory. Immediately after the match, the everlasting head coach at "Big Mama" camp, Suzanna Anggarkusuma asked Rompies to go to court number 4 at The Executive Club of Sultan Hotel. Indeed, Anggarkusuma punished Rompies to practice more as way to improve her performance in the quarter-final. What a show of force by "the most powerful" coach in Indonesia!

Other players advanced into the quarter finals were second seed Beatrice Gumulya, third seed Grace Sari Ysidora, fourth seed Mia Sacca, sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa, eighth seed Cynthia Melita, qualifier Angelina Jogasuria and unseeded Rani Fitria Wardhani. Younger Gumulya had an easy match and won 6-1, 6-0 over Vanesa Gunawan. Talented Ysidora did not play at her best but she still managed to overcome talented 13 years old qualifier Indhun Safa'ati of Central Java. Ysidora won 6-2, 6-1. Sacca faced tough battle against her junior, Tria Rizki Amalia in three sets of 7-6(1), 6-7(4), 6-2. Meanwhile Rahmawati Ulfa crushed lucky loser yet funky Michelle Julia Sanger 6-2, 6-0. Hard hitter Melita did not have to go to the court at all since her opponent, qualifier Angelina Jogasuria had fever, so this Salatiga resident Melita won by walk over. The other Jogasuria secured her ticket into the last eight round by defeating wild card Bella Destriana, 6-2, 6-1. Last but not least, a credit should be given to Wardhani who ousted an experienced seventh seed Dian Anggraini with 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory.

In the men's singles, top seed Christopher Rungkat had much better speed than 40 years old Bonit Wiryawan as Rungkat sealed 6-2, 6-2 victory. Second seed and defending champion, Sunu Wahyu Trijati had exactly the same scoreline as Rungkat when he dispatched Setyo Dwi Ariyanto. Third seed Prima Simpatiaji ended Michael Christian's run by winning 6-2, 6-1. Fourth seed Andrian Raturandang proved as better player than talented 17 years old Tito Parulian Hutauruk, 6-3, 6-2. Also advancing into the last eight round, fifth seed Nesa Arta, eighth seed Sebastian Dacosta, tenth seed Aditya Hari Sasongko, and eleventh seed David Agung Susanto. Dacosta had the toughest match among all the winners today as he eventually battled past 12th seed and four-time champion of "Cigna Open", Febi Widhiyanto in three, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Rusty Rompies pushed all the way by Darlina

Two top seeds of women’s singles Jessy Rompies and Beatrice Gumulya reached the second round of the 10th Cigna Open at The Executive Club’s Tennis Complex of Sultan Hotel, Jakarta yesterday. While second seed Gumulya had a light workout in her 6-0, 6-3 win over wild card Aldila Sutjiadi, top seed Rompies played an erratic game but she saved by the bell to eventually defeat 13 years old Voni Darlina 6-4, 7-5.

A credit to Darlina who played nothing to lose and demonstrated good fighting spirit against rusty and error prone Rompies. Along the match, Darlina showed her determination, persistency and concentration in answering all this experienced recent Fed Cup member’s strong groundstrokes. In a number of opportunities, Darlina gave some surprising shots back and Rompies either hit into the net or just wide. Rompies did not look fresh as she arrived from Perth, Australia last Monday night and with possible jet lag problem, so she did not have enough body clock recovery despite only two hours time difference between Jakarta and Perth. But it seemed she had no mental toughness after all. Lack of physical fitness was just a typical excuse as the cause of her topsy turvy opening performance. Nevertheless, Rompies’ good second serve, particularly few aces in such serve really helped her to win the match.

In the other match, 18 years old Gumulya proved her longer experience as an advantage to beat 13 years old Sutjiadi. Younger Gumulya committed 16 unforced errors which mostly came from her forehand, while Sutjiadi made 21 unforced errors. Gumulya shot total of 10 winners from her forehand, while her opponent only secured 6 winners. Other match statistics: Gumulya with 58% 1st serve percentage, 1 ace, 1 double fault; Sutjiadi with 62% 1st serve percentage and 2 double faults. In the second set, Gumulya cruised comfortably to lead 5-0 but failed to create double bagel as she sprayed several errors from her racquet so then Sutjiadi was able to earn 3 games in a row. In the end Gumulya regained her own game to close it out 6-3.

Four members of Davis Cup squad all through into the third round. Only third seed Prima Simpatiaji had an easy match, while top seed Christopher Rungkat, second seed Sunu Wahyu Trijati and fifth seed Nesa Arta forced to work harder against their opponents. Big server Simpatiaji did not have much problem to beat former Davis Cup team member, Edy Kusdaryanto 6-1, 6-1. Recent winner of “Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” Rungkat was challenged by qualifier Ariawan Poerboadinoto before he won 6-4, 6-4. Rungkat’s statisctics of 81% first serve percentage, 1 ace, 18 winners and 23 unforced errors barely made a victory over Poerboadinoto with 68% first serve percentage, 3 aces, 4 double faults, 13 winners and 27 unforced errors.

Second seed and defending champion Trijati had to utilize all his groundstrokes to end courageous fight by Agung Bagus Dewantoro with 7-6(1), 6-4 victory. While runner-up of “2008 Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters” Arta faced the challenge of big and tall Dadang AR then only to prevail 7-5, 6-3. A couple of upsets snatched by Michael Christian and Setyo Dwi Andriyanto. Seed number 15 Ganang Suryaatmaja crashed out as Christian came from behind to beat him 4-6, 6-0, 7-6(7). Then it was Andriyanto’s turn to send thirteenth seed Enrico Satria home earlier as Andriyanto posted 6-2, 6-4 victory.

Other players who continued on to the third round such as veteran Bonit Wiryawan,(4)Andrian Raturandang,(6) Faisal Aidil,(7) Surya Wijaya Budi,(8) Sebastian Dacosta,(9) Andery Setyawanto,(10) Aditya Hari Sasongko,(11) David Agung Susanto and last but not least 4 times winner of Cigna Open, 12th seed and father of new baby girl, Febi Widhiyanto.

Indonesian players' lack of respect towards Cigna Open

The continuous "Cigna Open" in its 10th year commitment was officially opened today at 9 am on the center court of The Executive Club's Tennis Complex at Sultan Hotel, Jakarta. The organizing committee had set an announcement a couple days prior to the opening ceremony that all players had no exception but they had to attend it and in the case of their no show, there will be 10% deduction of the prize money given to them. There were a number young players who came late to this important moment of the tourney. It was very disappointing indeed to witness that few players did not have their shoes on, instead they used slippers. The worst thing, two members of Davis Cup players along with several players did not bother to be present and one player said that 10% deduction of the prize money was no big deal for him. This disrespect attitude was intolerable at all. It showed that again and again Indonesian players in general had small appreciation towards the sponsor. Can these players imagine if PT Asuransi Cigna decide to end their commitment in funding a tourney? Why can;t the players equal the sponsor's commitment?

In the third day of "10th Cigna Open", there were three interesting matches in the opening round of men's singles. A veteran player from Surabaya, 40 years old Bonit Wiryawan had to face strong challenge from 32 years old Yusmawan Fahmi. Both players put an energetic showdown with their groundstroke contest and long rallies, but in the end Wiryawan prevailed to clinch 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Semarang resident Fahmi. Meanwhile 16 years old Michael Christian survived a sizzling hot battle against Central Kalimantan player, Panji Bana. Christian eventually won 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-6(5). A duel of qualifiers between 29 years old Ferdy Fauzi and his 13 years younger opponent, Michael Weiss Pedersen. The younger player shocked an experienced Fauzi when he took the first set, 6-3. Pedersen put a hard fight along the match and made Fauzi gave everything he got then he secured his 6-2, 6-1 in the two remaining sets.

As the two highest seeds in women's singles requested to play on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, so third seed Grace Sari Ysidora was scheduled to open her campaign on center court. Ysidora took only 52 minutes to beat Kely Restiana Putri 6-0, 6-2. Ysidora was simply dominating the first set with her typical attacking game equipped with good serve. In the second set, this number two junior player in Indonesia quickly cruised on and led 3-0 but then she lost her concentration which made Putri earned 2 games in a row. It was like a wake-up call then for Ysidora as she regrouped and returned to her own game plan to win 6-2 eventually. During the match, Ysidora produced winners mostly from her lethal forehand.

Match statistics: Ysidora (60% 1st serve percentage, 4 double faults, 13 winners, 9 unforced errors); Putri (47% 1st serve percentage, 7 double faults, 1 winner, 15 unforced errors)

Other players also advanced into the second round such as eighth seed Cynthia Melita who double bageled 37 years old Dewi Fortuna, then fourth seed Mia Sacca also won easily 6-0, 6-0 over Dina Azwar. Wild card Bella Destriana defeated fifth seed Priscilla Anggrenny Oky Suconong 6-3, 6-3 to book a second round ticket, along with seventh seed Dian Anggraini, sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa.

Sneak Preview:Rungkat is a red hot favorite while three up and coming girls are in possible tight competition

The most prestigious "10th Cigna Open 2009" has been underway since February 8 with qualifying rounds both in singles and doubles for men and women. Eight players secured their berth as qualifiers in men's singles: top seed Ariawan Purboadinoto, a Jakarta resident but he has been representing North Sulawesi. Followed by unseeded Indra Utomo of East Java who had tough 3 sets in the final qualifying against second seed Wibisana Prasetya, an Indian descendant. Third seed Skiva Sumual also through accompanied by unseeded Ahmad Mu'tamir of Yogyakarta who ousted fourth seed Sinatrya Putra. A young Dane and Jakarta resident at the same time, Michael Pedersen as tenth seed is adding the list of qualifiers. Three remaining spots in the main draw are sixth seed Ferdi Fauzi, seventh seed Ade Anugrah Saputra and unseeded teenager Wisnu Adi Nugroho of Central Java.

All players from top seed of the draw all the way to 16th seed received opening round bye. In top-half of the draw, first seed Christopher Rungkat is possible to clash with seventh seed Surya Wijaya Budi in the quarter-final. Meanwhile fourth seed Andrian Raturandang may battle against eighth seed Sebastian Dacosta or 12th seed Febi Widhiyanto. In bottom-half of the draw, Davis Cup team mates fifth seed Nesa Arta and third seed Prima Simpatiaji may have to face each other in the last eight round. Last but not least, possible quarter-final showdown is between second seed and the defending champion Sunu Wahyu Trijati against sixth seed Faisal Aidil or number one junior player and eleventh seed David Agung Susanto.

In women's qualifying only four slots are designated for the main draw. The qualifiers are unseeded Efrilya Herlina of East Java, unseeded Idhun Safa'ati of Central Java, sixth seed Angelina Jogasuria and her unseeded twin sister, Angelika Jogasuria.

Top seed and recent Fed Cup team member, Jessy Rompies is likely to have "cake walk" towards the final. She is likely to meet eight seeded Cynthia Melita in the quarter-final. Possible last eight round battle will be between fourth seed Mia Sacca and seventh seed Dian Anggraini. The other candidates in the last eight round are wild card and second seed Beatrice Gumulya may face sixth seed Laili Rahmawati Ulfa, while third seed Grace Sari Ysidora is likely to play against fifth seed Priscilla Anggrenny Oky Suconong or wild card Bella Destriana.

10th Cigna Open is just around the corner

The strong commitment of PT Asuransi Cigna towards national tennis no need to be questioned at all. The one and only "Cigna Open" will be held again from February 8-15, 2009. This tourney is always the early bird in the national circuit calendar. While in the midst of global financial crisis many companies have withdrawn their sponsorship for sport events, PT Asuransi Cigna has its firm stand to maintain their prestigious tournament.

For the very first time, "Cigna Open" started in the year of 2000 and in its first year, the total prize money was merely 35 million rupiahs. Each year PT Asuransi Cigna increases total prize money in the amount of 20 million rupiahs. This year it is approaching its 10th years of excellence and the total prize money is 200 million rupiahs. As explained by Mr. Ian Cooper, President Director of PT Asuransi Cigna, the amount of 130 million rupiahs will be allocated into men's category, while 70 million rupiahs for women's category.

No doubt this tourney is still the darling for many players and it is indeed very special. Only "Cigna Open" waive the tax for players and it has become their trademark for years. Entry fees are being donated to the needies from year to year as well. In commemorating its 10th years, PT Asuransi Cigna provides free accident insurance not only for players, but also for officials and journalists during the tournament.

"Cigna Open" took place at Senayan Tennis Complex only in the year of 2000, 2001 and 2005. Since 2002 until now, "Cigna Open" has been taking place at Tennis Complex of The Sultan Hotel Executive Club. From all the winners of this tourney who eventually clinched world achievement was Angelique Widjaja, winner of "2001 Cigna Open". Later on Widjaja won Wimbledon Junior in the same year then in 2002 she grabbed French Open Junior title.

PT Asuransi Cigna has been wondering why four top players inside national top five did not enter this time. The four top players are Sandy Gumulya, Ayu Fani Damayanti, Lavinia Tananta and Beatrice Gumulya. At the press conference on February 3, 2009 the tourney's officials distributed women's final entry list and the top seed is the privilege of Jessy Rompies (ranked 4 nationally), followed by Grace Sari Ysidora (ranked 7 nationally) as second seed. As informed by Mr. Johanes Susanto from National Tennis Association, Mrs. Martina Widjaja, the President of the highest body for national tennis is indeed respecting "Cigna Open" and she decided to provide higher ranking points for the players who will participate in this tourney. Why did Rompies enter then? As we all know, Rompies and those four players are from the same elite tennis camp owned by Mrs. Widjaja. Sure, all of them are now members of Fed team and they are playing Asia Oceania qualifying round of Group I in Perth, Australia. It is very impossible that they did not know the exact schedule of "Cigna Open". After all, these five girls are managed by very experienced coach, Suzanna Anggarkusuma.

In men's category, possible fierce competition will be led by Indonesian numero uno, Christopher Rungkat and followed by his Davis Cup team mates such as Sunu Wahyu Trijati, Prima Simpatiaji and Nesa Arta. Only number two of Indonesia will not participate as Elbert Sie has informed to the press last December that he planned to study overseas. One thing is so amazing till now, despite its schedule is in the middle of wet season, "Cigna Open" has always been on schedule until the final matches. Forever "Cigna Open"!

The Archive - 2008 Garuda Indonesia Tennis Masters

Jakarta, Indonesia
December 10-14, 2008
Prize Money: 500 million rupiahs

Round robin feed-up into four-men singles elimination draw:

“Garuda” Group

Seed no. 1 Elbert Sie
Seed no. 3 Prima Simpatiaji
Seed no. 6 Sebastian Da Costa
Seed no. 7 Surya Wijaya Budi

“Garuda” Group Results

Sie d. Da Costa 62 60
Simpatiaji d. Wijaya Budi 62 61
Sie d. Wijaya Budi 63 64
Simpatiaji d. Sie 16 62 76(3)
Simpatiaji d. Da Costa 62 62
Wijaya Budi d. Da Costa 62 63

“Garuda” Group Win-Lose

1.Simpatiaji – Matches 3-0, Sets 6-1
2.Sie – Matches 2-1, Sets 5-2
3.Wijaya Budi – Matches 1-2, Sets 2-4
4.Da Costa – Matches 0-3, Sets 0-6

“Rajawali” Group

Seed no. 2 Sunu Wahyu Trijati
Seed no. 4 Andrian Raturandang
Seed no. 5 Christopher Rungkat
Seed no. 8 Nesa Arta

“Rajawali” Group Results

Raturandang d. Trijati 64 61
Rungkat d. Arta 62 64
Rungkat d. Raturandang 60 60
Arta d. Trijati 76(3) 62
Rungkat d. Trijati 61 60
Arta d. Raturandang 61 75


“Rajawali” Group Win-Lose

1.Rungkat – Matches 3-0, Sets 6-0
2.Arta – Matches 2-1, Sets 4-2
3.Raturandang – Matches 1-2, Sets 2-4
4.Trijati – Matches 0-3, Sets 0-6

Semi-finals

(5) Rungkat d. (1) Sie 62 63
(8) Arta d (3) Simpatiaji 63 76(4)

Final

(5) Rungkat d. (8) Arta 62 60

Winner 100 million rupiahs
Finalist 34.5 million rupiahs
Semifinalists 17 million rupiahs
Third Place RR 11.5 million rupiahs
Fourth Place RR 6 million rupiahs

Round robin feed-up into four-women singles elimination draw:

“Cendrawasih” Group

Seed no. 1 Ayu Fani Damayanti
Seed no. 4 Angelique Widjaja
Seed no. 6 Sandy Gumulya
Seed no. 7 Septi Mende

“Cendrawasih” Group Results

Damayanti d. Mende 61 61
Gumulya d. Widjaja 64 63
Damayanti d. Gumulya 75 61
Widjaja d. Mende 63 64
Damayanti d. Widjaja 62 61
Gumulya d. Mende 60 64

“Cendrawasih” Group Win-Lose

1.Damayanti – Matches 3-0, Sets 6-0
2.Gumulya – Matches 2-1, Sets 4-2
3.Widjaja – Matches 1-2, Sets 2-4
4.Mende – Matches 0-3, Sets 0-6
“Merak” Group

Seed no. 2 Liza Andriyani
Seed no. 3 Lavinia Tananta
Seed no. 5 Grace Sari Ysidora
Seed no. 8 Jessy Rompies

“Merak” Group Results

Andriyani d. Rompies 16 64 45 ret
Tananta d. Ysidora 64 61
Ysidora d. Andriyani 16 62 61
Tananta d. Rompies 62 75
Tananta d. Andriyani 46 62 61
Ysidora d. Rompies 36 64 76(3)

“Merak” Group Win-Lose

1.Tananta – Matches 3-0, Sets 6-1
2.Ysidora – Matches 2-1, Sets 4-4
3.Andriyani – Matches 1-2, 4-5
4.Rompies – Matches 0-3, Sets 2-6


Semi-finals

(3) Tananta d. (6) Gumulya 64 20 ret
(1) Damayanti d. (5) Ysidora 61 26 61

Final

(3) Tananta d. (1) Damayanti 64 75

Winner 100 million rupiahs
Finalist 40 million rupiahs
Semifinalists 17 million rupiahs
Third Place RR 11.5 million rupiahs
Fourth Place RR 6 million rupiahs


Round robin feed-up into four male doubles’ pairs elimination draw:

“Elang” Group

Seed no. 1 Hendri Susilo Pramono/Nesa Arta
Seed no. 4 Aditya Hari Sasongko/Andery Setyawanto
Seed no. 6 Edy Kusdaryanto/Ferdy Fauzi
Seed no. 8 Elbert Sie/Ryan Tanujoyo

“Elang” Group Results

Pramono/Arta d. Sie/Tanujoyo 75 76(5)
Sasongko/Setyawanto d. Kusdaryanto/Fauzi 62 63
Pramono/Arta d. Kusdaryanto/Fauzi 64 61
Sasongko/Setyawanto d. Sie/Tanujoyo 64 67(2) 62
Pramono/Arta d. Sasongko/Setyawanto 26 63 62
Kusdaryanto/Fauzi d. Sie/Tanujoyo 16 61 63

“Elang” Group Win-Lose

1.Pramono/Arta – Matches 3-0, Sets 6-1
2.Sasongko/Setyawanto – Matches 2-1, Sets 5-2
3.Kusdaryanto/Fauzi – Matches 1-2, Sets 2-5
4.Sie/Tanujoyo – Matches 0-3, Sets 2-6

Round robin feed-up into four male doubles’ pairs elimination draw:

“Kasuari” Group

Seed no. 2 Prima Simpatiaji/Sunu Wahyu Trijati
Seed no. 3 Sebastian Da Costa/Surya Wijaya Budi
Seed no. 6 David Agung Susanto/Faisal Aidil
Seed no. 8 Andrian Raturandang/Christopher Rungkat

“Kasuari” Group Results

Raturandang/Rungkat d Simpatiaji/Trijati 63 76(4)
Da Costa/Wijaya Budi d. Susanto/Aidil 75 63
Simpatiaji/Trijati d. Susanto/Aidil 76(5) 76(2)
Raturandang/Rungkat d. Da Costa/Wijaya Budi 61 61
Simpatiaji/Trijati d. Da Costa/Wijaya Budi 64 64
Raturandang/Rungkat d. Susanto/Aidil 60 64


“Kasuari” Group Win-Lose

1.Raturandang/Rungkat – Matches 3-0, Sets 6-0
2.Simpatiaji/Trijati – Matches 2-1, Sets 4-2
3.Da Costa/Wijaya Budi – Matches 1-2, Sets 2-4
4.Susanto/Faisal – Matches 0-3, Sets 0-6

Semi-finals

Raturandang/Rungkat d. Sasongko/Setyawanto 76(5) 61
Pramono/Arta d. Simpatiaji/Trijati 64 67(1) 62

Final

Raturandang/Rungkat d. Pramono/Arta 64 75

Winners 34.25 million rupiahs
Finalists 17.5 million rupiahs
Semifinalists 17 million rupiahs
Third Place RR 5.25 million rupiahs
Fourth Place RR 3 million rupiahs

Female doubles’ semi-finals:

Seedings:

(1)Ayu Fani Damayanti/Liza Andriyani
(2)Angelique Widjaja/Sandy Gumulya
(3)Lavinia Tananta/Jessy Rompies
(4)Grace Sari Ysidora/Septi Mende

Semi-finals:
Damayanti/Andriyani d. Widjaja/Gumulya walk over (Gumulya ill)
Ysidora/Mende d. Tananta/Rompies 62 63

Final:
Damayanti/Andriyani d Ysidora/Mende 61 64

Winners 15 million rupiahs
Finalists 7.5 million rupiahs
Semi-finalists 4 million rupiahs

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

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

"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