Coaches split over readinnes

Coaches split over readinnes

JAKARTA (JP): Badminton coaches were split yesterday over the
Indonesian Thomas Cup and Uber Cup teams' readiness for the
finals following the latest test matches Friday.

Uber Cup team coach Imelda Wiguna said yesterday her squad had
improved since they failed to impress in the All-England and
Japan opens earlier this year.

Imelda, a former notable doubles specialist, said her only job
now was to build up the players' fighting spirit.

"Physically and technically, they are far better than they
have been in the past few months, although we may need more time
to pump up their determination," she said.

Imelda said that in the past, she reserved extra time to spend
with her team to talk to and encourage them before departing for
a competition.

"Hopefully we can maintain our close ties after being together
for years," she said.

Imelda said her squad, winner of two successive Uber Cups in
1994 and 1996, would again bank on former Olympic gold medalist
Susi Susanti.

Susi, on the decline after a few years on top of the world,
expressed guarded optimism that she could give her team a morale-
boosting win.

The 28-year-old shuttler proved Friday she deserved the first
pick as she tamed junior teammate Mia Audina in straight sets.

"She (Susi) performed better than in the first and second
simulations in Bali," Imelda said of world No. 3 Susi.

Imelda said she had opted not to change her veteran doubles
team of Elisa and Zelin Resiana and the combination of junior
teammates Deyana Lomban and Indarti Isolina who played pivotal
roles in Indonesia's Uber Cup triumph two years ago.

"They are equal in terms of techniques and maturity and both
have fared well recently," Imelda said.

In contrast, a more difficult task awaits men's team coach
Christian Hadinata, who was seen shaking his head many times in
disbelief Friday.

"The team, especially the men's singles players, need radical
polishing if we are to retain the Thomas Cup," he said.

Christian said the players in question were third singles
choice Indra Wijaya and third doubles candidates Antonius and
Denny Kantono.

"They committed unnecessary mistakes and unleashed inaccurate
drives many times," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Indra looked like a beginner in his easy 8-15, 6-15 loss to
veteran Joko Suprianto in Friday's simulation match at the
Senayan Indoor Stadium.

The pair of Antonius and Denny Kantono, Olympic bronze
medalists, gave up to makeshift partners Chandra Wijaya and Tony
Gunawan 1-15, 5-15.

"Antonius and Denny used to display their brandished defensive
play, but on Friday they wasted too much energy with their
erroneous strokes," Christian said. (emf)