Badminton body looks to replace stricken Vita

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will likely substitute its women's doubles player, Vita Marissa, three weeks prior to the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam next month, due to illness.

Vita, who will partner Emma Ermawati in the biennial event, had her appendix removed on Thursday morning and it is unlikely she will be able to recover for the Games, which take place from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.

Michael Triangto, the association's official doctor, said in a telephone interview: "I was told this morning that Vita was admitted to the hospital with appendicitis. She had surgery this morning."

"I don't really know about her condition because I have been in Semarang since Monday. But as a doctor, I assume she won't be able to perform in the SEA Games. It is too soon."

Coach Imelda Wiguna declined to comment, saying only, "You better ask Christian or Pak Siregar."

Head coach Christian Hadinata said he would be attending a plenary meeting, chaired by vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah, on Thursday evening to discuss on the matter.

"Vita is sick but we have yet to decide who will replace her for the Games," he said.

Siregar was unavailable for comment as he was attending the meeting.

Some players told The Jakarta Post and Kompas earlier that Indarti Issoliana, who usually partners Carmelita, would likely replace Vita.

"I don't think Indarti could compete in the event as she only recovered from her illness last week. She just started to practice on Monday," said a shuttler, who requested anonymity.

Cindana Hartono, Lydia Djaelawidjaja, Ellen Angelina and Yuli Marfuah are listed for the singles event and Etty Tantri, Cynthia Tuwankotta, Emma Ermawati and Vita Marissa in the doubles.

Indarti is scheduled to compete in the Singapore Open from July 25 to July 29 and the Indonesia Open from Sept. 1 to Sept. 5 after the SEA Games.

"She will be very tired after the SEA Games and may not be able to compete in both Grand Prix series," the anonymous shuttler said.(yan)