20 states to play in Indonesia Open

20 states to play in Indonesia Open

Ainur R. Sophiaan, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

The best players from 20 countries including China, which has
been absent since 1997, will participate in the US$170,000 Sanyo
Indonesia Open 2002 badminton championship starting here today.

Chairman of the organizing committee Yacob Rusdianto said the
championship would be held from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1 at the
Kertajaya Sports Stadium.

In the men's singles, first seed Indonesian, flamboyant player
Taufik Hidayat, is predicted to be able to proceed to the
semifinal, with a strong challenge from second seed Xia Xuanze of
China. But, prior to meeting Taufik, Xuanze will have to meet
Malaysian Ong Ewe Hock.

In the women's singles, first seed Danish Camilla Martin will
meet defending champion Ellen Angelina in the first round on
Wednesday.

"If she defeats Ellen, Camilla will be challenged by fifth
seed Dai Yun from China," Rusdianto said.

Meanwhile, in the women's doubles, host favorite pair and
defending champions Deyana Lomban and Vita Marissa will not be
seriously challenged until the semifinal, when they are expected
to meet first seeds Danish Pernille Harder and Mette Scholdager.

In the men's doubles, South Korean senior players Lee Dong Soo
and Yo Yong Sung are expected to meet host players Bambang
Suprianto and Nova Widianto in the semifinal.

In the mixed doubles, first seeds Jens Eriksen and Mette
Scholdager of Denmark will be challenged by host players Nova
Widianto and Vita Marissa in the semifinal.