Badminton body upset by poor performances

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia is disappointed by the performances of its women's singles players in the three Grand Prix tournaments this month.

Association official Hadi Nasri said yesterday that the women's singles shuttlers did not perform as expected in the Chinese Taipei Open, the Japan Open and the Korean Open, despite the success of the country's best hope Mia Audina.

Mia, currently world ranked number one, cruised to the Taipei Open semifinals where she lost to Camilla Martin of Denmark on Jan. 12. But she successfully won the US$170,000 Japan Open tournament the following week.

She then skipped the Korean Open, a tournament in which none of Indonesian players reached the finals.

The other women shuttlers - Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Meulawati and Cindana - all lost in the early rounds.

"Their excuse was they were not used to playing in cold weather. I told the coach to send players who can quickly adapt to the weather next time," Hadi said.

"The coach must also focus on the rating of the tournament and the players' rankings. If they fail in a tournament where they have to win, they can't be sent to the next tournament. That's what Pak Soerjadi (the association's chairman) said," he added.

Hadi said that the women's doubles team of Eliza/Zelin Resiana are improving their anticipation although they still lost to the 1996 Olympic gold medalists Ge Fei/Gu Jun of China for the 16th time.

"They need to focus more on their strategy," he said.

Coach Imelda Wiguna said the second string pairing of Deyana Lomban/Indarti Isolina have to improve their physical condition and focus on their defense.

"I plan to improve their defense by inviting men's doubles teams from several clubs to be their sparring partners. They will practice their defense and smashes," she said.

Hadi said that the men's singles and men's doubles performed well in the three tournaments although the juniors seemed to play better than the seniors.

Haryanto Arby, who has been injured for six months, failed to perform at his best in the Taipei Open while Ardy Wiranata, who was absent for three months due to hepatitis, recorded an upset victory against China's Dong Jiong.

Juniors Jeffer Rosobin, Budi Santoso and Indra Wijaya, who will represent the country in the A King Asia Cup next month, all failed to reach the semifinals.

Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto surprised everyone as they beat seniors Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky, the 1996 Olympic gold medalists, in the Taipei Open.

"We are targeting our junior men's singles to be in the world's top 20 while the doubles must be in the top 10," Hadi said.

Meanwhile Indonesia is pinning its hopes on world number one Mia Audina to win the women's singles at the All England badminton championships in Birmingham from March 10 to March 15.

"There is a possibility that Susi Susanti will not play in the All England following her honeymoon after her marriage. Mia is therefore our main hope not only to win the tournament but also to motivate other players," Iwan Setiawan of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) said.

Susi is to marry fellow shuttler Alan Budikusumah on Feb. 23. They won the singles gold medals at the 1992 Olympics.

Iwan said Susi's participation in the All England depends on her. "If Susi is ready to play, PBSI will register her name on the list. Susi's participation will certainly ease the burden on Mia."

Indonesia is relying on Joko Suprianto to win the men's singles title. Joko, the world number one, has missed a number of recent international events after suffering an injury at the Grand Prix in Bali.

Two other Grand Prix tournaments, the Indian and Swedish Opens, are scheduled before the All England.

Joko is presently focusing on the All England and the Swedish Open.

"Joko's appearance in the All England is very important for him as he is defending the title. For this reason, he is training very intensively," Iwan said.

For the All England, Iwan said, Indonesia will send its top players. But it is possible, he added, some juniors may also be sent.

Iwan said Indonesia will register its entrants for the All England soon.

"We were informed by the organizers that Indonesia must submit its list of players by February at the latest." (yan/lnt)