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)