MALAYSIA’S OLDEST, INDONESIA’S RICHEST TAKE BRIDGE TO GLORY

Hung Fong and Hartono to heat up sport

THE oldest participant at the Asian Games, Malaysia’s Lee Hung Fong, will compete in the same sport, contract bridge, with the richest player.

Hung Fong, who is 81 years old, shares the same passion as Indonesia’s billionaire tobacco tycoon richest man by Forbes magazine, which also ranked him the 75th wealthiest in the world, is estimated to have a net worth of US$16.7 billion (RM69 billion) from his interests in tobacco, banking and communications.

Hartono told news agency Antara earlier this week: “I play bridge to keep my memory sharp. My other hobby is tai chi, which helps me stay focused.”

Hartono, who has participated several times in the World Bridge Championships, said his target is gold at the Asian Games.

But if Hartono wins the gold, he will not keep the US$102,000 reward from the Indonesian government for its winners at the Asiad.

"If I managed to win gold, I would donate the government's cash prize to the athletes training programme," he said.

At the Jakarta International Expo hall (Aug 21-Sept 1), Hung Fong and Hartono will go for glory via bridge.

The countries participating in bridge at the Asian Games are Bangladesh, China, Taiwan,

Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.