RI second stringers hope to shine in Sudirman Cup<\/p>\n
COPENHAGEN (JP): The absence of Indonesia's top shuttlers will
\nenable the juniors to shine in the Sudirman Cup and World
\nChampionships.<\/p>\n
The expectation was expressed by Indonesia's team manager Agus
\nWirahadikusumah on Monday while witnessing national shuttlers
\npractice in Skodsborg, a suburban area north of Copenhagen.<\/p>\n
\"We can see in the women's singles, without Susi (Susanti) and
\nMia (Audina), second stringers like Cindana, Lidya
\n(Djaelawidjaja) and Ellen (Angelina) can compete freely among
\nthemselves to show who's the best,\" said Agus, who arrived here
\non Monday morning.<\/p>\n
\"We are in a transitional period between the seniors and
\njuniors. It also happens in other countries, including the
\nsuperior China,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Susi Susanti, dubbed Super Susi for her title collection,
\nretired from badminton last July. The 1992 Olympic champion, who
\nmarried Alan Budikusuma in 1994, gave birth to a baby girl on
\nApril 26. Alan also won the 1992 Olympic gold.<\/p>\n
Mia, who was expected to replace Susi, declined to join the
\nnational squad after her mother's death on April 28. She sparked
\ncontroversy recently due to her marriage to Surinamese Tylio
\nLobman and her statement claiming she was a victim of child
\nabuse.<\/p>\n
Agus said Cindana, Lidya and Ellen had improved a lot during
\ntheir preparation for Sudirman, which ends on Saturday, and the
\nWorld Championships next week.<\/p>\n
\"We are not expecting too much from them, but somehow I still
\nbelieve in our own strength that they can do more than expected,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Agus said the Indonesian squad included seniors and juniors,
\nor new partnerships for both major events.<\/p>\n
\"We can see men's singles Taufik Hidayat or a new partnership
\nof Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian. They are our future stars,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The 18-year-old Taufik, world number 10, is the 1999 All
\nEngland finalist. He lost to world top shuttler Peter Gade
\nChristensen of Denmark. Taufik reached the 1998 Indonesia Open
\nsemifinals, the 1998 Asian Championships semifinals and won the
\n1998 Brunei Open.<\/p>\n
Flandy used to be a mixed doubles specialist with former
\npartner Risyeu Rosalina, who retired from badminton after her
\nmarriage.<\/p>\n
The partnership of Flandy and Eng Hian, nicknamed Didi,
\nstarted in the Indonesia Open 1998 in October. They reached the
\nHong Kong Open semifinals, the Danish Open finals and won the
\nKorean Open. They are now world number two.<\/p>\n
Contenders<\/p>\n
Agus expressed hope that the shuttlers would not spoil their
\nchances, even slight ones, against their contenders.<\/p>\n
\"I've always told them not to be intimidated by their rivals'
\nbig names. They must boost their self-confidence,\" he said.<\/p>\n
With very poor preparation for both events, Agus still
\nexpressed optimism that Indonesia could bring back the trophy.<\/p>\n
\"It's a very realistic and optimal target. With their good
\ncondition, physically and mentally and technically, and solid
\nteamwork, I believe we can go home with the cup after having lost
\never since 1991.\"<\/p>\n
Agus said he would not choose any contenders in the semifinals
\nas Indonesia had the same chances against either Denmark or South
\nKorea.<\/p>\n
\"Some of our players could overcome Korea, while others may
\nwin over Denmark. We have equal chances, why should we pick
\nenemies?\" he said. (yan)<\/p>",
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