Carmelita, Deyana for Korea Open

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)