Indonesian climbers top KIA X Games Asia

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 05/03/2008 11:14 AM

Indonesia's climbers swept both the men's and women's events in the KIA X Games Asia at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai on Thursday and Friday.

Defending champion Evi Neliwaty won her fourth X Games Asia speed climbing title, while compatriot and former X Games Asia champion Etti Hendrawati finished second.

"I'm thrilled to retain my title," Evi was quoted as saying in a statement sent by the organizers to The Jakarta Post.

"However, I was really impressed by the Chinese climbers today. They look to have improved a lot from last year, and it looks like we will have to train harder to stay ahead of them."

For runner up Hendrawati, it was a welcome return to the region's most prestigious multi-event competition for action sports, after taking a two-year hiatus from competing during which she gave birth to her child.

"It was very satisfying to be back, and even better to finish with a medal. I had to work harder this time, it will be a step-by-step effort over time. But I'm very pleased today and for my teammate."

The tightly contested men's speed climbing event was a tense affair with Abu Dzar Yulianto bagging the men's title to cement Indonesia's dominance.

Victory was especially sweet for Yulianto, after she had finished 6th in the X Games Asia event in 2006 held in Malaysia, and 5th last year in Shanghai.

"I'm thrilled to win my first KIA X Games Asia gold medal after three tries," Yulianto said.

"The Chinese athletes were very strong and quick, but I think they were quite unlucky today. It was tense from the semifinals onward, but I think my efforts to stay focused and relaxed helped me today."

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