China awaits RI in badminton showdown

China awaits RI in badminton showdown

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects a string of final showdowns
against its perennial foe China in the Asian Games badminton
competition next month.

With a total of seven gold medals on offer, the two archrivals
will open their fierce contest for the laurels in the men's and
women's team events, the head of the Badminton Association of
Indonesia's (PBSI) training center Christian Hadinata predicts.

"Indonesia and China will reach the women's team final
unchallenged. But in the men's category Indonesia will have to
overcome dark horses like Malaysia and South Korea before playing
China in the final," Christian said on the sidelines of
simulation matches for his Asiad-bound players.

Indonesia has set a target of winning at least two gold medals
in this year's Asiad.

Christian admitted China stood a better chance than Indonesia
in the women's team event, thanks to its star-studded lineup. The
two teams last met in the Uber Cup final which was won by China.

But Christian, who is a former doubles specialist, said Mia
Audina and company would stretch the Chinese to limit.

"Mia could upset world number one Ye Zhaoying in the first
singles match, while the new partnership of Elysa and Deyana
Lomban stand a chance of overcoming the world number one pair of
Ge Fei and Gu Jun," Christian said.

Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Mia said she has put past
troubles behind her and is ready for what is only her second
appearance at the Asian Games.

After reaching the final in Atlanta two years ago, Mia went
through a title drought, however she served notice of her return
to form earlier this month by winning the Indonesia Open.

"The Indonesia Open victory has laid a new platform for me to
achieve better results in future international events," Mia said.

A lot is expected of Mia, who has been asked to take over the
key role formerly played by Susi Susanti, one of the world's
greatest players who recently retired and is expecting her first
baby.

Men's team

The young team fielded by Indonesia in the men's event face a
tougher route to the final.

Christian said world number five singles player Hendrawan and
Olympic men's doubles champions Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky,
the oldest players in the eight-man team, would be the best bets
at the Asiad.

Hendrawan said he would not squander the rare opportunity to
win a medal at the Asiad.

"Experience has taught me that the first singles match is
crucial in a team event. But I won't be burdened by that
knowledge. I will just enjoy the game and beat my opponents," he
said.

Hendrawan views world number two Sun Jun of China and world
number three Yong Hock Kin of Malaysia as his toughest rivals.

The Indonesian has beaten the Chinese player just once in four
attempts but holds a 3-2 head-to-head record against Hock Kin,
who became the first Malaysian ever to win a tournament on
Indonesian soil earlier this month.

Indonesia is to field Hendrawan, world number 18 Taufik
Hidayat and world number 24 Budi Santoso, a last minute
replacement for world number 14 Marlev Mainaky who was forced to
pull out with a knee injury.

Both Ricky and Rexy, who top the world rankings, are
optimistic about their chances of winning a second straight gold
medal.

"I don't think we need special preparations for the Asiad.
Ricky and I are bound to become a united force. We only need to
concentrate in each match," said Rexy, a father of two children.

Ricky added: "We want a victory to silence those who are
doubtful about the solidity of our partnership. Although Rexy is
married and has children, his performances are still good. I
believe we can enjoy every match and Insya Allah (God willing) we
can win." (yan)