Papua's tennis player Priska Madelyn Nugroho will face the East Java prominent Aldila Sutjiadi in the final match of the women's singles at the 20th National Games (PON) being held in Papua.
Earlier, Priska beat East Java's Jessy Rompies in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in the semifinal match at the Sian Soor Tennis Center in the Jayapura Mayor's office yard on Wednesday.
"Rompies is an experienced player, so even though I was leading a bit far, I was always on guard because she could beat me anytime," Nugroho told ANTARA after the match.
Earlier, Nugroho had beaten Rompies (31) in the women's doubles. Therefore, Nugroho said that she was more confident when meeting Rompies in the women's single semifinals.
"I was optimistic that I could beat her, but because she was very experienced, I had to stay alert. I am really happy that I was able to beat her," the 18-year-old athlete remarked.
In the women's singles final, which will take place on October 7, 2021, Nugroho will face number one ranked Aldila Sutjiadi. Sutjiadi, 26, strolled into the final after beating another Papuan athlete, Novela Rezha, in a three-set match 6-7, 6-1, 6-2.
"Sutjiadi is indeed another senior who is very good at playing and I will always give my best in every match, including for tomorrow," Nugroho remarked.
Meanwhile, in men's singles, West Papuan's Muhammad Althaf Dhaifulla will fight East Java's Muhammad Rifqi Fitriadi for a gold medal.
In a surprise win, young Dhaifulla defeated senior tennis player from East Java, David Agung Susanto, in a fierce semifinal match of three sets 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5).
Meanwhile, Rifqi Fitriadi won an easy game in two sets 6-3, 6-0 over Patriach Kristomega from Bangka Belitung.
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Pewarta: KR-RS
Editor: Sri Haryati
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