Indonesia Garuda Wins Axiata Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Indonesia Garuda swooped to victory when it emerged champion in the Axiata Cup inaugural edition, defeating their junior, Indonesia Rajawali, 2-1 in the championship final second leg at Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium in Jakarta on Sunday. The Indonesian elite team, comprising singles world number nine Simon Santoso, Olympics gold medallist Taufik Hidayat and former Asian champion Sony Dwi Kuncoro, as well as doubles Bona Septano/Mohammad Ahsan and Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan, bagged US$400,000 (RM1.2 million). Garuda's first point was delivered by Indonesia's current number one singles, Simon, who made short work of his opponent, Tommy Sugiarto 21-16, 21-10. Rajawali lashed back with their doubles Alvent Yulianto Chandra/Angga Pratama, who stunned world number six Mohamad Ahsan/Bona Septano 23-21, 12-21, 21-13, to secure a 1-1 tie. However, Rajawali second singles, novice Shesar Hiren Rhustavito, stood no chance against former world champion Taufik who won the deciding game 21-14, 21-15. Garuda also won the final first leg on Saturday 3-0. -- BERNAMA