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)