Badminton star confirms rumors of retirement

Primastuti Handayani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia's top men's doubles player Tony Gunawan shocked badminton fans by announcing his retirement from the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) in order to study abroad.

Tony - who this year won the All England and World Champion titles with partner Halim Haryanto - said he planned to continue studying computer science but rejected speculation that he would move to another country.

"I am an Indonesian and I will be the same. Even if I play abroad, it's more to earn income to finance my study. I won't represent another country in a multisports event. I promise you that," he told The Jakarta Post by phone on Tuesday.

"I'm aiming to study as I realize that badminton won't be able to guarantee my future. This is the right moment to start studying although I'm ready if my study isn't as successful as badminton. If I wait until my retirement, it's too late for me to continue studying," he said, giving a hint that he might study in the United States.

The Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games finalist, with Bambang Suprianto, said he preferred to study in a country which was no contest to Indonesia in badminton.

Rumors about Tony's retirement began circulating last week but he denied the speculation, saying he would make an announcement when he was ready.

Tony, who last year won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics with Candra Wijaya, denied that he had lost the motivation to play.

"Every time I remember the moment I was presented with the gold for Indonesia, I'm very proud. I really want to do that again in the future, but that's impossible."

He said he hadn't followed the path of his girlfriend Etty Tantri, Indonesia's women's double shuttler.

Etty quit badminton after competing at the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain, in May, to continue studying in the United States.

Tony was born in Surabaya on April 9, 1975, the youngest of Budianto Gunawan and Handayani Halim's three children. He has won most Grand Prix series titles and multisports events, except the SEA Games and Asian Games golds.

Tony's partner Halim will team up with junior Lulu Hadianto and prepare for their debut in the Denmark Open this month.

Tony said he would still practice and serve as a practice partner at the center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

"I have explained to my teammates and they understand my decision. I will still help them with the training until my departure."