Taufik queries Sudirman Cup simulation plan<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): World number two Taufik Hidayat questioned on
\nWednesday the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)'s
\nscheduling of a Sudirman Cup simulation on Friday, saying it was
\ntoo close to the just-concluded Asia Cup.<\/p>\n
\"I think it would be better if the simulation took place next
\nweek when players have had enough rest after competing in the
\nAsia Cup. We just arrived from Singapore and we need a break,\" he
\ntold The Jakarta Post on Wednesday from Bandung.<\/p>\n
\"If I perform below my standard on Friday, people will say
\nmany things behind my back.\"<\/p>\n
The simulation will be held at the Indonesian Badminton Center
\nin Cipayung, East Jakarta. Taufik is scheduled to face Rony
\nAgustinus in the first men's singles, followed by Hendrawan
\ntaking on Budi Santoso.<\/p>\n
Taufik also objected to having to play against Rony during the
\nsimulation. \"Why has PBSI scheduled me to face Rony? They know
\nthat I always lose to Rony during practice ... It's completely
\ndifferent if I have to face him in a competition like the final
\nof the Asian Badminton Championships last year .... Well, let's
\njust see what happen tomorrow.\"<\/p>\n
Taufik has been dogged by controversy recently, the most
\nrecent incident occurring last week when he was quoted by AFP as
\nsaying he was considering leaving the country because his coach
\nMulyo Handoyo's contract would be terminated after the World
\nChampionships.<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old shuttler denied ever making such a statement,
\nbut PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo had replied saying that
\nTaufik would be allowed to leave the badminton center if he
\nwished.<\/p>\n
Training director Christian Hadinata said the association had
\nprepared a back-up plan for the simulation in case Taufik chose
\nnot to take part. If Taufik misses the event on Friday, Hendrawan
\nwill meet Johan Hadikusuma while Rony will face Budi.<\/p>\n
Taufik was in Bandung after returning from Singapore before
\ncoming back to the center late Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, world number 11 Hendrawan has recovered from a
\nslight eye injury he suffered against Chen Yu of China in last
\nweek's Asia Cup semifinals, which Indonesia lost 2-1. China went
\non to win the event.<\/p>\n
\"Nothing is wrong with my eye. I am playing good now. I have
\nimproved and am playing much better than I did in the All England
\nin March,\" Hendrawan told the Post.<\/p>\n
\"As for the Sudirman Cup, I have told PBSI officials that I
\nwill play because I see our doubles players are very eager to
\nbring home the trophy.<\/p>\n
\"I know that PBSI also expects me to win the World
\nChampionships title but I'll see how far can I go.\"<\/p>\n
The Sudirman Cup will take place from May 28 to June 3 at San
\nPablo Stadium in Seville, Spain. The World Championships will be
\nplayed from June 4 to June 10 in the same venue.<\/p>\n
The simulation will see Yuli Marfuah face Lidya Djaelawidjaja
\nin the women's singles, Tony Gunawan and Halim Heryanto take on
\nCandra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto in the men's doubles and Deyana
\nLomban and Indarti Issoliana play Vita Marissa and Etty Tantri in
\nthe women's doubles.<\/p>\n
In the mixed doubles, PBSI has arranged two matches: Bambang
\nSuprianto and Minarti Timur against Tri Kusheryanto and Indarti,
\nand Nova Widianto and Vita against Agung Wahyu and Emma Ermawati.
\n(yan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/taufik-queries-sudirman-cup-simulation-plan-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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