Hendrawan unpretentious about his chance in Sydney<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's singles shuttler Hendrawan is
\nunpretentious about his chance of winning a gold in the upcoming
\nOlympic Games in Sydney.<\/p>\n
\"Let's not talk about my target at the Olympics. Everybody has
\nequal chances there. All I can say is that I am well prepared,\"
\nhe said before a competition simulation at Senayan Indoor stadium
\nin Jakarta on Friday.<\/p>\n
Competing for the first time in the Olympics, Hendrawan --
\nIndonesia's hero in the 1998 and 2000 Thomas Cup championships --
\nhopes to continue the country's recent gold medal success in
\nbadminton.<\/p>\n
Indonesia won its first golds thanks to Susy Susanti in the
\nwomen's singles and Alan Budikusuma in the men's singles at the
\n1992 Olympics in Barcelona.<\/p>\n
Four years later, Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky saved the
\ncountry's pride by winning the gold in the men's doubles at the
\nOlympics in Atlanta, U.S.A.<\/p>\n
This year, the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) and
\nthe National Sports Council (KONI) target the shuttlers to bring
\nhome two golds in men's singles and doubles.<\/p>\n
World number three Hendrawan managed to beat world number one
\nand compatriot Taufik Hidayat 9-15, 15-12, 15-13 for the first
\ntime at the simulation.<\/p>\n
The 28-year-old shuttler said that he still needed to improve
\nhis emotional condition for the quadrennial event from Sept. 15
\nto Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
\"I still have to learn to control my emotions better. I can't
\noverestimate myself or lack motivation for the event. In the
\nOlympics, the emotional and mental factors are really important,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Hendrawan is training with Paulus Pasurney. He has improved
\nhis fitness and stamina.<\/p>\n
\"But I'm so exhausted from training, it is difficult for me to
\nconcentrate. I have problems sleeping at night. Maybe when we are
\nthere (in Sydney), we will have a different atmosphere that will
\nhelp me increase my fighting spirit.\"<\/p>\n
Indonesia qualified Taufik, Hendrawan and Marlev Mainaky in
\nthe singles event.<\/p>\n
Hendrawan appointed Taufik and Dane Peter Gade Christensen as
\nthe strongest candidates to win the gold.<\/p>\n
\"Taufik is playing well lately, winning in both Indonesia and
\nMalaysia Open tournaments. While Peter, after his poor form in
\nthe Indonesia Open in July, might be better prepared, helping him
\nto reach the finals.\" (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/hendrawan-unpretentious-about-his-chance-in-sydney-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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