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.