Cindana uncertain for Uber Cup semis

Cindana uncertain for Uber Cup semis

JAKARTA (JP): Top Uber Cup player Cindana Hartono is likely to
miss the semifinal round in New Delhi this month after she was
injured in a simulation match on Friday.

Cindana, world ranked 13, lost the first game 12-13 to Yuli
Marfuah but was leading 9-5 when she slipped as she prepared to
hit an overhead.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) doctor, Michael
Triangto, diagnosed a pulled muscle in her left calf. He was
uncertain if the injury could heal before the event.

"We still have to wait one or two days. We need to X-ray the
injury. If her calf is swollen, probably the muscle is torn. It
takes months to heal a torn muscle," he said.

Cindana, who began crying in pain on the court, said after
receiving medical treatment that she would wait for developments
in the next two days.

"I won't force myself to compete in the match if I can't
recover in one week. The Uber Cup match is a team event and I
can't let myself burden my teammates," she said.

The loss of Cindana would reduce Indonesia's chances in the
Asia zone match as it is in the same group with Chinese Taipei,
Hong Kong and the eventual winner of group B, which comprises
Australia, favorite Singapore and Pakistan.

The other group features Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the
winner of group A, consisting of India, Zambia and Sri Lanka.

PBSI is considering putting Yuli on the team if Cindana i
forced to pull out.

"I was shocked when Cindana fell on the court because she must
compete in the next two weeks. However, I think I performed
really well today. If I have to replace her, I'll be ready," Yuli
said.

Second singles Lidya Djaelawidjaja, world ranked 16, will
likely move up to first singles if Cindana cannot play in the
semifinal roun from Feb. 16 to Feb. 20. Lidya lost to junior
Niniek Masrikah 3-11, 8-11 in Friday's simulation.

"If I have to play as first singles, I must be ready. Our
opponents will be the same as in the Grand Prix series
tournaments," she said.

"However, I will have to prepare myself better, especially to
build motivation and overcome psychological barriers before
competition."

PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo said: "Cindana's injury
showed her seriousness in a match even if it's only a simulation.
If Cindana can't recover soon, we have to replace her."

In the simulation, third singles Ellen Angelina trounced
junior Dwi Retnowati 11-1, 11-3. First doubles Elysa Nathanael
and Deyana Lomban faltered against teammates Indarti Issolina and
Carmelita 7-15, 15-12, 4-15 while second doubles Etty Tantri and
Cynthia Tuwankotta were pushed in defeating Vita Marissa and Emma
Ermawati 15-7, 14-17, 15-6.

Training director Christian Hadinata said the shuttlers should
use the simulation matches as an opportunity to learn how to
withstand pressure on the court.

"By learning to deal with pressure here, they can use the
experience in the same situation to face their rivals in a real
match," he said. (yan)