Taufik has no special prepration for Seville<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's world number three men's singles
\nTaufik Hidayat shocked the sports world here on Monday by saying
\nhe did not make any special preparations for the upcoming World
\nBadminton Championships in Seville, Spain, next month.<\/p>\n
"I realize that the World Championships is as prestigious as
\nthe Olympics and I really want to win the title. But compared to
\n1999's event, I haven't prepared myself well. I don't feel the
\nenthusiasm. I feel that something's bothering me inside," he said
\nafter a training session at the Indonesian Badminton Center in
\nCipayung, East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
"But I have promised myself that I'll get back on my feet
\nagain after the championships. I'll think of my future and how I
\ncan reach my goals. I want to repair my six months of disarray.<\/p>\n
"I still have lots of dreams that I haven't reached, including
\nwinning the All England. I'm really obsessed with that."<\/p>\n
The World Championships will take place at San Pablo Stadium
\nin Seville, Spain, from June 4 to June 10. It was preceded by the
\nSudirman Cup mixed team event.<\/p>\n
Speaking on his goals, Taufik said: "I don't have any target.
\nI just want to go one step at a time. I want to think about every
\nsingle match. As for my coach, he didn't get me to target
\nanything."<\/p>\n
Taufik -- who stole the show after he reached the All England
\nfinal in 1999 -- has yet to show his best form this year.<\/p>\n
A hero at the 2000 Thomas Cup final in Kuala Lumpur, Taufik
\nslipped at the Sydney Olympics by only reaching the third round.
\nHe made it up by winning the Asian Badminton Championships in
\nNovember.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, he launched verbal attacks at PBSI chairman
\nSubagyo Hadisiswoyo, urging the retired general to step down from
\nthe top post.<\/p>\n
Since then, Taufik's star is not as bright as it was before.
\nPBSI's early decision to discontinue coach Mulyo Handoyo's
\ncontract had a big influence on Taufik's performance in this
\nyear's series opener at the Korea Open.<\/p>\n
He also missed his opportunity to win the All England.<\/p>\n
In the recently concluded Asia Cup, he failed to show off his
\nbest shots.<\/p>\n
"At the age of 19, I am carrying too heavy a burden on my
\nshoulders. If I fail, people will always link it with my personal
\nlife. I can't take it anymore.<\/p>\n
"However, I am optimistic that there is still a chance at
\nbecoming a world champion. I'm not pessimistic on that."<\/p>\n
Taufik, who is also among the players being prepared for the
\nSudirman Cup, criticized PBSI's preparation for the major event.<\/p>\n
"Compared to last year's Thomas Cup, as a player, I don't see
\nany togetherness within the team. It's completely different than
\nlast year when officials were willing to mingle and talk to us."<\/p>\n
Indonesia's team manager Sumaryono -- who is being detained on
\ncharges of masterminding a counterfeit money ring in Surabaya --
\nsuccessfully helped the Thomas Cup team win the trophy 12 times.
\n(yan)<\/p>",
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