Alan, Hermawan<\/p>\n
compete for<\/p>\n
Thomas Cup slot<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian coaches have avoided making an
\nearly disclosure of the fourth singles player for the Thomas Cup
\nmen's badminton team.<\/p>\n
\"Let's wait for the decision day,\" coach Indra Gunawan said
\nduring a regular work-out at Senayan badminton hall yesterday. He
\nadded that he has to continuously share ideas with officials of
\nthe Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) in forming the
\nteam's lineup.<\/p>\n
PBSI is scheduled to announce the Indonesian Thomas Cup and
\nUber Cup teams on Sunday, the deadline set by the International
\nBadminton Federation (IBF). The tournament will begin here on May
\n10.<\/p>\n
The fourth singles slot will be given to either Olympic gold
\nmedalist Alan Budikusuma or Hermawan Susanto, runner-up to Joko
\nSuprianto at the world championships in Birmingham last year.<\/p>\n
PBSI has clearly indicated that Joko, two-time All England
\nwinner Hariyanto Arbi and Ardy Wiranata will play singles in the
\nworld team championships. The ace pair of Rudy Gunawan and
\nBambang Suprianto and their All-England runner-ups Ricky Subagja
\nand Rexy Mainaky will be Indonesia's doubles, with Denny Kantono
\nfavored to become the substitute.<\/p>\n
\"Both Alan and Hermawan have equal chances of winning the
\nremaining slot on the team,\" said Indra, but declined to reveal
\nhis preference or criteria for the selection.<\/p>\n
\"Since we will compete in a team event, we have set a bulk of
\nrequirements,\" said Indra. He, however, did not elaborate.<\/p>\n
PBSI chairman Soerjadi had indicated earlier that the Thomas
\nand Uber Cup team selections would be based on performances at
\nseveral tournaments prior to the world championships.<\/p>\n
Both Alan and Hermawan fell to Indonesian rivals in the
\nsemifinals at the All England. Alan also crashed to defeat at the
\nhands of his junior, Hendrawan, in a Thomas Cup simulation match
\nin Bandung last week, while Hermawan succumbed to Hariyanto.<\/p>\n
\"The results did not mean anything to us,\" Indra said.<\/p>\n
Another coach Triaji also shut his mouth when asked about who
\ndeserves Indonesia's fourth singles in the upcoming Thomas Cup.<\/p>\n
\"I find both Alan and Hermawan technically and mentally ready
\nfor the championship,\" said Triaji.<\/p>\n
Hermawan, who represented Indonesia in the last two men's team
\ncompetitions, said he had nothing to lose this year despite his
\nhigh expectations of making a third appearance.<\/p>\n
\"It's all up to PBSI. I only have to prepare myself for the
\nbattle,\" he said calmly.<\/p>\n
Alan also gave his fate to PBSI, saying that he has done his
\nbest to make his coaches believe that he deserves a place on the
\nteam. Alan has been erratic since his brilliant run in Barcelona
\ntwo years ago.<\/p>\n
Alan and his Olympic fiancee Susi Susanti suffered minor
\ninjuries to their hands after a pack of Ujungpandang supporters
\nsmashed the windshield of their vehicle at Jl. Sudirman on Sunday
\non their way to the Jakarta Hilton hotel. The players, who will
\nform the nucleus of Indonesian Thomas and Uber Cups have been
\nbilleted in the five-star hotel since last Monday.<\/p>\n
They will start training sessions at Senayan indoor stadium,
\nthe venue for the world championship finals, on April 30. (amd)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/alan-hermawan-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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