RI eyes Asiad volleyball quarters berth<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to go no further than the
\nquarterfinals in the Asian Games men's volleyball competition due
\nto a tough draw, national team training director Suharsono said
\non Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The draw conducted last week put Indonesia in Group B along
\nwith defending champion China, Qatar and Mongolia.<\/p>\n
Suharsono predicted his team could reach the final eight by
\nfinishing second behind China in the round-robin group matches
\nbut would then probably meet either South Korea or Chinese Taipei
\nwhich are favored to head Group D.<\/p>\n
The teams are divided into four groups, with the winners and
\nrunners-up qualifying for the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n
\"We can beat Qatar and Mongolia to book a place in the
\nquarters, but South Korea and Chinese Taipei are very strong
\nteams,\" Suharsono said at the Sentul volleyball training camp
\nnear Bogor, West Java.<\/p>\n
Indonesia will be making its first appearance in the Asiad
\nvolleyball tournament since 1986.<\/p>\n
Asian Games host Thailand was placed in an easier group A with
\nIndia and Lebanon. The Thais should, on paper, top the group and,
\nwith favorite Japan almost certain to win Group C, have a great
\nchance to reach the medal matches.<\/p>\n
Group C also includes Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.<\/p>\n
Despite the fact that its task, even to win a bronze, is a
\nnear mission impossible, the Indonesian men's volleyball team is
\nbeing allowed to take part in the Asiad as a replacement for the
\ndisgraced national soccer team.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is serving an indefinite suspension from the Asian
\nFootball Confederation for bringing Asian soccer into disrepute
\nduring a bizarre match it played with Thailand in the Tiger Cup
\nearly this month.<\/p>\n
Suharsono said his squad would rely on Loudry Maspaitella,
\nAndry Widiatmoko, Eko Purnomo, Octavian, Robby Meliala and Risco
\nHerlambang.<\/p>\n
Six back-up spikers will be selected next week.<\/p>\n
The national volleyball team will leave the country on Oct. 24
\nfor a two-week overseas stint in the Chinese towns of Chengdu,
\nSichuan and Guangzhou.<\/p>\n
Chinese coach Li Qiujiang said he suggested a stint in Japan
\nor the United States but the Indonesian Volleyball Federation
\npreferred China for financial reasons.<\/p>\n
\"The stint will reveal players' weaknesses, so that we can
\nimprove them after returning home. Our biggest headache is the
\nlack of competitive spirit due to the 12-year absence from the
\nAsiad,\" the coach said.<\/p>\n
Team captain Loudry, who joined the team on Sept. 1,
\ncomplained about the poor teamwork. \"This is maybe because most
\nof the players are juniors. Us more senior players need to help
\nthem build a well-knit team and improve their individual skills,\"
\nhe said. (yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-eyes-asiad-volleyball-quarters-berth-1447893297",
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