Alan, Hermawan
Alan, Hermawan
compete for
Thomas Cup slot
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian coaches have avoided making an
early disclosure of the fourth singles player for the Thomas Cup
men's badminton team.
"Let's wait for the decision day," coach Indra Gunawan said
during a regular work-out at Senayan badminton hall yesterday. He
added that he has to continuously share ideas with officials of
the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) in forming the
team's lineup.
PBSI is scheduled to announce the Indonesian Thomas Cup and
Uber Cup teams on Sunday, the deadline set by the International
Badminton Federation (IBF). The tournament will begin here on May
10.
The fourth singles slot will be given to either Olympic gold
medalist Alan Budikusuma or Hermawan Susanto, runner-up to Joko
Suprianto at the world championships in Birmingham last year.
PBSI has clearly indicated that Joko, two-time All England
winner Hariyanto Arbi and Ardy Wiranata will play singles in the
world team championships. The ace pair of Rudy Gunawan and
Bambang Suprianto and their All-England runner-ups Ricky Subagja
and Rexy Mainaky will be Indonesia's doubles, with Denny Kantono
favored to become the substitute.
"Both Alan and Hermawan have equal chances of winning the
remaining slot on the team," said Indra, but declined to reveal
his preference or criteria for the selection.
"Since we will compete in a team event, we have set a bulk of
requirements," said Indra. He, however, did not elaborate.
PBSI chairman Soerjadi had indicated earlier that the Thomas
and Uber Cup team selections would be based on performances at
several tournaments prior to the world championships.
Both Alan and Hermawan fell to Indonesian rivals in the
semifinals at the All England. Alan also crashed to defeat at the
hands of his junior, Hendrawan, in a Thomas Cup simulation match
in Bandung last week, while Hermawan succumbed to Hariyanto.
"The results did not mean anything to us," Indra said.
Another coach Triaji also shut his mouth when asked about who
deserves Indonesia's fourth singles in the upcoming Thomas Cup.
"I find both Alan and Hermawan technically and mentally ready
for the championship," said Triaji.
Hermawan, who represented Indonesia in the last two men's team
competitions, said he had nothing to lose this year despite his
high expectations of making a third appearance.
"It's all up to PBSI. I only have to prepare myself for the
battle," he said calmly.
Alan also gave his fate to PBSI, saying that he has done his
best to make his coaches believe that he deserves a place on the
team. Alan has been erratic since his brilliant run in Barcelona
two years ago.
Alan and his Olympic fiancee Susi Susanti suffered minor
injuries to their hands after a pack of Ujungpandang supporters
smashed the windshield of their vehicle at Jl. Sudirman on Sunday
on their way to the Jakarta Hilton hotel. The players, who will
form the nucleus of Indonesian Thomas and Uber Cups have been
billeted in the five-star hotel since last Monday.
They will start training sessions at Senayan indoor stadium,
the venue for the world championship finals, on April 30. (amd)