Dutch juniors have an Indonesian connection<\/p>\n
Moch N. Kurniawan
\nThe Jakarta Post\/Denpasar<\/p>\n
Spectators at the Milo Junior Championships could be forgiven
\nfor assuming that Lisa Malaihollo is a local player, or perhaps
\npart of the diaspora of Indonesian players to more lucrative
\ntraining spots around the world.<\/p>\n
"I was born in the Netherlands, but my father Patrick
\nMalaihollo is an Indonesian who became a Dutch citizen, while my
\nmother Ciska is from Suriname," she said.<\/p>\n
Still developing her game, the 18 year old beat local hopeful
\nPurwaningsih on Monday, but lost in the second round against
\nKurniawan Sylvina of Djarum Kudus.<\/p>\n
Unlike other foreign players, she had a vocal support section
\nof Indonesian relatives, including her visiting parents, in the
\nstands.<\/p>\n
She is not the only "Indonesia related" player on the Dutch
\nsquad; Yvonne Sie's parents are Indonesian-born Dutch citizens.<\/p>\n
Her father came from Kediri while her mother is from Surabaya,
\nboth in East Java.<\/p>\n
Seeded 5\/8, Yvonne was upset in the first round on Monday,
\napparently put off her game by the strong draft at Tembau Sports
\nHall.<\/p>\n
Despite their losses in Denpasar, both players have big dreams
\nfor the future.<\/p>\n
"I want to win the Olympic Games," said Lisa, who was
\nintroduced to the game at the age of four by her father.<\/p>\n
"I want the world championship and to play in the Uber Cup for
\nthe Netherlands," Yvonne said, referring to the women's team
\nchampionship.<\/p>\n
Lisa and Yvonne have grabbed a big share of the junior titles
\nin their homeland. Lisa won the girls' doubles junior
\nchampionship, was runner-up in the U-17 singles and also the
\ngirls' U-19 singles.<\/p>\n
Yvonne won the girls' U-13 singles junior championship and, at
\nthe age of 15 last year, triumphed in the U-19 singles nationals.<\/p>\n
Both teenagers enjoy the experience of playing in Asia.<\/p>\n
"We always play in Europe, like in Denmark, the Netherlands
\nand England, but there aren't many chance to go to Asia. We know
\nAsian badminton is much better than Europe," said Lisa.<\/p>\n
Yvonne was not dismayed despite falling at the first hurdle.<\/p>\n
"I can do better in the future," she said.<\/p>\n
Many other Indonesians have chosen to play for foreign teams,
\nincluding Mia Audina, who now represents the Netherlands after
\nmarrying a Dutchman.<\/p>\n
The girls demurred when asked if they would consider doing the
\nopposite by playing for this country's lowly ranked women's
\nsquad.<\/p>\n
"We live in the Netherlands and the situation there is better
\nthan in Indonesia," Lisa said.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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