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)