I played like a beginner: Taufik<\/p>\n
COPENHAGEN (JP): Indonesia's men's singles Taufik Hidayat
\nshrugged his head in disbelief after his poor performance against
\nworld number one Peter Gade Christensen in the semifinals of the
\nSudirman Cup between Indonesia and Denmark at the Brondby Hall on
\nFriday evening.<\/p>\n
The 17-year-old Sundanese said: \"I don't know why I played
\nthat way. I played like a beginner. I looked like a stupid
\nplayer.\"<\/p>\n
Taufik's performance was well below form in the third match of
\nthe semifinals. He lost easily to the 22-year old Dane 4-15, 1-
\n15, who finished up with an unbeatable 3-0 scorecard in their
\nhead-to-head contests.<\/p>\n
Taufik said when he entered the court, he was not
\nconcentrating and was unable to play to the best of his ability
\nas he did in the 1999 All England final against Gade Christensen.<\/p>\n
\"I didn't feel tense and I was not afraid of him. I am looking
\nforward to having my revenge on Peter Gade. But apparently I
\nplayed very badly. I am ashamed of myself. I regret my
\nperformance,\" Taufik said.<\/p>\n
Taufik said he had agreed to play only because the whole team
\nhad backed him.<\/p>\n
\"I didn't want to play if some of our teammates or officials
\ndisagreed. But I spoiled the chance.\"<\/p>\n
Gade Christensen said he could empathize with Taufik's poor
\nform.<\/p>\n
\"When I entered the court I was nervous. But when I looked at
\nTaufik's face, I knew he was more nervous. I had a guilty feeling
\nbecause I played too well. But if I give him one of my fingers,
\nhe wants my hand.<\/p>\n
\"I was surprised to see Taufik play below his standard. I
\nunderstand that he was very confused on the court. I have
\nexperienced the same thing and I know how it feels. I clapped his
\nshoulder and I know that he'll get over it.<\/p>\n
\"Taufik is a good player and a very talented one. In two or
\nthree years time, he will be the world's best.\"<\/p>\n
Indonesia team manager Agus Wirahadikusumah said he had
\ndiscussed Taufik's selection with men's singles coaches, Mulyo
\nHandoyo and Agus Dwi Santoso, who both recommended fielding
\nTaufik instead of world number eight Hendrawan.<\/p>\n
\"Our consideration was based on both shuttlers most recent
\nperformance. We made a decision to field Taufik and he lost.
\nNobody is allowed to blame him. He's still young. He must be able
\nto overcome his psychological barrier (and become) the team's
\nfuture backbone,\" he said. (yan)<\/p>",
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