Veteran referee in charge, fans come in from the rain<\/p>\n
KEEPING THE PEACE: There have been no ruffled egos and
\ntantrums during the first two days of the Djarum Indonesia Open.<\/p>\n
Deputy referee of the organizing committee, Julius Tetelepta,
\na familiar face on the international badminton circuit, makes his
\nrounds every day to see that everything is running smoothly.<\/p>\n
\"We have not received any protests for the time being. All
\nshuttlers show their sportsmanship in competition, and that also
\nincludes the umpires and linesmen,\" the Indonesian said.<\/p>\n
The 64 year old, who started his career as an umpire in 1963
\nin Makassar, has not missed an Indonesia Open since the
\ntournament began in 1982.<\/p>\n
LOYAL FANS: Rain drenched the Central Jakarta area on
\nThursday, but diehard fans were not about to let a bit of water
\nkeep them from coming out for the action.<\/p>\n
Five courts inside Istora Senayan sports hall were in use,
\nwith fans cheering on their favorites.<\/p>\n
\" I don't like watching a badminton tourney on TV, I like to
\nsee it for real to vent my feelings,\" said Ayub Afifudin, who
\ncame all the way from Ancol, North Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Tempuh Wijayanti, 16, and a group of friends came out on both
\nopening days, with plans to watch through Sunday's finals.<\/p>\n
\"We've been planning this for days. After school we come here
\nby public bus,\" said Tempuh.<\/p>\n
Ayub's day was made when doubles player Sigit Budiarto agreed
\nto pose for a photo with him.<\/p>\n
Except for the loyal fans, the stands have been sparsely
\nfilled, which may have something to do with the absence of the
\ngame's powerhouse China.<\/p>\n
Another blow to organizers was the late afternoon upset of
\nTaufik Hidayat by Simon Santoso on Wednesday. The temperamental
\nWorld and Olympic champion is always sure to bring in the crowds.<\/p>\n
NOT IN USE: Room Cempaka 3 is a quiet space amid the hubbub in
\nthe sports hall. It's the press conference room, but its rows of
\nseats have not been disturbed.<\/p>\n
Reporters looking for a quote from the top players prefer to
\ncatch them directly on court or as they prepare to leave the
\nhall.<\/p>\n
The easy accessibility to the players is in contrast to other
\nsports, including tennis, where tour minders keep the media at
\narm's length.<\/p>\n
\"I like the rules for tennis,\" one local journalist said last
\nweek during the Wismilak International tennis tournament in Bali.
\n\"How can badminton become professional when we can just barge in
\non training sessions whenever we like? (004)<\/p>",
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