Ardy and Meiluawati to complete badminton team

JAKARTA (JP): Crack shuttler Ardy Wiranata and newcomer Meiluawati look favored to complete the Indonesian teams for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup badminton championships in Hong Kong from May 17 to May 26.

Indonesian manager Lutfi Hamid told reporters yesterday that the two singles players had notched up satisfying records in a number of tournaments and competitions which also serve as national selection for the team championships.

"Both Ardy and Meiluawati are considered the strongest candidates for the fourth singles places so far," Lutfi said yesterday.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia will officially announce the lineup of its Thomas Cup men's team and Uber Cup women's squad at its headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta later today.

But the latest world rankings issued by the International Badminton Federation after the All England championships late in March are probably the best guide to the starting lineup.

World number one Joko Suprianto, number three Hariyanto Arbi and number four Alan Budikusuma are beyond doubt Indonesia's singles choices for the Thomas Cup. World women's singles number two Susi Susanti, 10th ranked Mia Audina and number 13 Yuliani Sentosa top the nomination list for the Uber Cup.

Yesterday was the deadline for the 16 Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finalists to send their team's lineups. A team may have a maximum of 10 players, which forces selectors to think hard about the appropriate combination of singles and doubles substitutes.

Each team will play three singles and two doubles matches.

Indonesia won both trophies in the last finals here two years ago. It was Indonesia's ninth Thomas Cup win and second Uber Cup triumph.

Meiluawati, who won the Polish Open in March, will make her first cap in the Uber Cup if she is named for the national team today. Her fellow junior players, Lidya Djaelawidjaja and Cindana, are also bidding for the fourth singles place.

Ardy decided Indonesia's victory in the Thomas Cup final over title holder Malaysia in 1994, beating Ong Ewe Hock in straight sets to give his side an unbeatable 3-0 lead. (amd)