Indons barge into semis, stun Kiwis

Indonesia proved that height isn't exactly might as it stunned the tall New Zealand side, 15-13, to join fancied Australian and Japanese teams in the semifinals of the first Nestea Asian Beach Volleyball Women's Invitational at the CCP Complex yesterday.

Short in height but not in fighting spirit, the Indon pair of Timy Yodhani and Yohana Elizabeth pulled the rug from under the pair of Lucy Todd and Angela Stojanovich to arrange a semis duel with the Australian tandem of Summer Lochowicz and Sue Hinbeck, 15-3 winner over Japan II in the quarterfinals.

The other Australian pair - Emma Prowse and Cindy Godwin - advanced to the semis versus top seed Japan I following a 15-7 whipping of Japan II.

The Indon lasses reached the final four to the surprise of many as Yodhani and Elizabeth showed grace under pressure.

Yodhani and Elizabeth squandered a commanding 12-6 advantage but recovered in time to scuttle the Kiwis' rally.

Against the Aussies, the Indons don't discount the possibility of another upset, saying they will give their best shots to stay in the fight for top honors and the cash pot of $1,500 that goes with it.

Lochowicz and Himbek, however, are more optimistic of their chances, having scored a 15-4 rout of the Indons in the second round Friday.

The two local teams bowed to Malaysia, 6-15, and to Australia 2, 7-15, respectively. --