All Indonesian final in Thailand Open men's singles
All Indonesian final in Thailand Open men's singles
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is ensured a title in the three-star
Thailand Open in Bangkok after its men's singles shuttlers
managed to create an all-Indonesian final for Sunday, between
Hendrawan and Budi Santoso.
Indonesia also has a chance of collecting another title in the
men's doubles as Sigit Budiarto and Halim Heryanto clinched a
ticket to the final.
World number three Hendrawan had to fight fatigue before
eliminating South Korean debutant Lee Hyun-il 15-9, 9-15, 15-11.
"Lee played really well today. His skills have improved since
his last performance in the Thomas Cup championships in Kuala
Lumpur in May. He defeated world number six Ji Xinpeng of China
in the third round and runner-up in the World Championships Fung
Permadi of China Taipei in the quarterfinals."
"Today's game was not easy, especially with my exhausted
physical condition. I had to play rubber sets since the second
round and I feel really tired."
"I have improved my stamina but I still need to work on my
speed," Hendrawan said in a telephone interview.
The 28-year-old Indonesian aims to use the remaining Grand
Prix series tournaments, including the Indonesia Open next week,
as an evaluation prior to the Olympic Games in Sydney in
September.
In another semifinal match, Budi continued his leap forward by
taming Chinese Luo Yigang, world number 11, 6-15, 15-5, 15-11.
Hendrawan declined to comment on the chances of ending his
title drought of nearly two years.
"It's always difficult to face my own teammates because they
all know my style, especially Budi, who is also coached by Mas
Agus Dwi Santoso," he said.
In the men's doubles, Sigit and Halim found no trouble beating
the Thai number one pair of Pramote Teerawiwatana and Tessana
Pansisavas 15-10, 15-9.
"Pramote seemed afraid of Sigit's big name while on the
contrary Sigit performed outstandingly and initiated aggressive
attacks," Halim said.
Sigit, who won the 1997 world champion title with former
partner Candra Wijaya, is known as a talented shuttler with
difficult strokes.
"The Thai pair played very tense while we performed much
better compared to previous matches," Halim added.
Sigit and Halim will meet second seeds Zhang Wei and Zhang Jun
of China, who defeated Khunakorn Sudhisodhi and Kitipon Kitikul
of Thailand 15-4, 15-13.
China is ensured a title in the women's singles after its
shuttlers created an all-Chinese finals. Zhou Mi unexpectedly
upset world number two Gong Zhichao 11-6, 11-1 while former world
number one Ye Zhaoying overcame second seeded Dai Yun 11-5, 11-5.
(yan)