RI shuttlers upbeat at China's absence<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian junior shuttlers are optimistic of
\nbeing able to grab the Junior Asian Badminton Championship title
\nin Taipei given the absence of badminton powerhouse China.<\/p>\n
\"The motivation of the shuttlers has been boosted knowing that
\nChina has decided not to come here. We hope to grab the title
\nthis year,\" team manager Joko Suprianto told The Jakarta Post
\nfrom Taipei by phone.<\/p>\n
\"On the other hand, China's absence reduces the competition
\nhere. However, our players will do their best.\"<\/p>\n
Joko, who is also the junior singles' coach, said no official
\ninformation on China's absence was available but he was sure it
\nwas related to political issues concerning relations between
\nChina and Taipei.<\/p>\n
Indonesia was last year's runner up in the team event while
\nshuttler Sony Dwi Kuncoro reached the individual boys' singles
\nfinal.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, both boys' and girls' teams cruised to the next
\nstage at the event, which is copying the feature of the Thomas
\nand Uber Cups of three singles and two doubles in the team.<\/p>\n
The boys' team received a walk-over victory as Macau failed to
\nshow up.<\/p>\n
\"I don't know why Macau didn't show up at 9 a.m. (8 a.m.
\nJakarta time) as scheduled. There was not any official statement
\non that. On Monday, we will face the Japanese team also at 9
\na.m.,\" said Joko.<\/p>\n
\"I don't want to take any risks and will field our strongest
\nteam especially in the singles. Japanese shuttlers will pose a
\nthreat if we are not careful.\"<\/p>\n
Sony, Ardiansyah and Markis Kido will compete in the singles
\nagainst the Japanese.<\/p>\n
\"But I must find the right combination for the boys' doubles
\nsince none of the players are joining the Indonesian Badminton
\nCenter,\" Joko said.<\/p>\n
PBSI brings Titon Gustaman and Rian Sukmawan of West Java;
\nHendra Setiawan and Joko Riyadi of Jaya Raya; and Gordon Ruben
\nand Devin Lahardi of Djarum Kudus for the boys' doubles.<\/p>\n
Indonesian girls easily defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 to meet
\nMalaysia later in the afternoon.<\/p>\n
Singles Silvi Antarini barely sweated to win 11-1, 11-0 and
\nDewi Tira also won easily 11-1, 11-1. In the doubles, Monica and
\nDevi Sukma crushed their opponents 15-1, 15-1. (nvn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-shuttlers-upbeat-at-chinas-absence-1447893297",
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