China shatters RI's Asia Cup hattrick

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion and top seed Indonesia failed to materialize expectations of achieving a hattrick in the US$170,000 Asia Cup bowing 1-2 to powerhouse China at the semifinals that lasted for four-and-a-half hours at Singapore Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Indonesia will meet Thailand to determine the second runner-up and fourth position. China will take on South Korea, who beat Thailand 2-0 later on Saturday.

Indonesia took the title at the event's inaugural match in 1989 and defended it in 1991. The winning team this year takes home $80,000 in prize money.

Indonesia's tragic odyssey started when Chen Hong beat Taufik Hidayat 9-15, 17-16, 15-12 in the first match.

"I was not patient enough in the second game when I held 14-11 lead in the second set. But Chen Hong played well," Taufik told The Jakarta Post by phone.

"Although I'm disappointed with the result, winning or losing is just natural in every game. I'm sure I can reach my peak in the World Championships in Seville," he added, after he played for almost two hours in his first match.

Indonesia's only success was grabbed by Japan Open winners Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto beating Zhang Wei and Zhang Jun 4-15, 15-6, 17-16 to equalize the score 1-1.

"Candra and Sigit played as usual although they found it difficult to attack in the first game. But they regained their form in the second and third games," coach Aryanto told the Post.

"But Candra and Sigit still have to improve their defense to counter any attacks. They must also further polish their technique," he added.

In the decisive match, Chen Yu beat Hendrawan 15-12, 9-15, 15- 12 putting an end to Indonesia's quest for a hattrick in the event.

"Hendrawan's eye was injured when he was leading 14-9 in the second set. But he resumed the game after an eye-examination," said Aryanto.

"But he said his vision started to blur in the third set."

Chinese coach Zhong Bo told AFP that it was exciting to beat Indonesia.

"I expected us to give a good fight but to defeat Indonesia is very exciting for us," he said.

"I have always regarded Chen Yu as a good singles player. I think he just needed some time to regain his confidence after his loss in the decisive singles match against Thailand."

Chen said he already knew what Hendrawan would do on the court.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia training director Christian Hadinata said the result was surprising but not disappointing.

"It's such a surprise that Thailand could beat China who eventually beat us. But it's not disappointing. Taufik has yet to perform consistently as he both won and lost in the event," he said over the phone.

"Hendrawan has yet to improve his physical fitness so that he could take the first set, lose the second to be able to reserve his energy before fighting back in the third," he added.

Raising star Lee Hyun-il managed to come from behind having a 16-17, 15-14, 15-11 victory over veteran Boonsak Polsana.

Yoo Yong-sung and Chang Jae-sung secured a final berth after beating Pramote Teerawiwatana and Tesana Pansisvas 15-8, 15- 12.(nvn)