Carmelita, Deyana for Korea Open

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian women's doubles team of Deyana Lomban and Carmelita agreed to compete in the six-star Korea Open early next year despite a dispute with coach Paulus.

"We'll still compete in the Korean Open as previously decided," Carmelita told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. "We aim to reach the quarterfinals at the event, particularly with three months preparation."

Deyana, however, seemed indecisive about their participation.

"Well, it's up to the officials of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) to decide on our participation. We'll just be prepared," she said by telephone.

Deyana and Carmelita earlier protested PBSI's decision to send to the event a third doubles team, Etty Tantri and Indarti Issoliana, saying it violated their initial commitment.

"In the initial commitment, PBSI planned to only send two doubles teams," said Deyana, adding that it would be difficult for the association to make a comprehensive evaluation of the players with different partnerships being sent.

Carmelita also revealed she and Deyana had met with Paulus concerning the decision.

"Paulus said it wasn't solely his decision, but (coach) Imelda Wigoena's desire to send Etty and Indarti," she said.

Paulus said there was no longer any misunderstandings as he had explained in detail the decision to send Etty and Indarti.

"(The decision) was aimed at strengthening our women's doubles teams ahead of the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain, in May," he said by telephone.

"We must find alternative teams because Cynthia Tuwankotta and Vita Marissa are still injured."

PBSI secretary general Leo Chandra Wiranata confirmed all three women's doubles teams would compete in Korea.

"I've registered all the shuttlers for the Korea Open. PBSI will handle their visas, travel taxes and tickets. There are no changes at all." (nvn/yan)