Confidence helps Rony oust seeded Wong

Confidence helps Rony oust seeded Wong

JAKARTA (JP): Confidence can be a very powerful weapon for a
shuttler facing off against a higher-ranked opponent.

Indonesia's Rony Agustinus proved this on Friday, with his
self-confidence raising the level of his play to the point where
he was able to overcome second seed Wong Choon Hann of Malaysia.

"I was sure that I would win the match. If I didn't have such
confidence, I wouldn't win any of my matches," he said during a
postmatch media conference.

"I'm also thinking about winning the event, although it's
possible that I may not be the champion at all. After all, being
sure about yourself is the most important thing," he said.

Rony said he was happy with his victory over Wong, as it
settled a score with the Malaysian.

"It improves my head-to-head record against Wong to one and
two. Earlier, he beat me at the 1999 Bandar Seri Begawan SEA
Games and the 1998 Malaysian Open," he said.

Born in Jakarta on Oct. 7, 1978, Rony began to play badminton
at the age of six and is currently a member of the Suryanaga
Gudang Garam badminton club. His best finish to date was the
semifinals at the 1998 French Open and the 1999 Sea Games.

When asked how he handled Wong, Rony said he took the
initiative and attacked first, before Wong could go on the
offensive.

"I had to attack him first aggressively, although I'm more of
a defensive player. But I had no other choice than to press my
game," he said.

"In the first game, I was kind of lulled by Wong's play
because I haven't met him for quite a long time now. Once I got
in tune, I started to attack," he said.

He also noted that Wong did not seem to be at the top of his
game, not playing like the event's second seed.

"Wong had to live up to his status as a seeded shuttler, which
was more or less a burden for him. On the other hand, I had
nothing to lose, so I was able to play more freely.

"For me, my initial target was only to play my best and not to
let down my coaches with my performance," he said.

Rony is slated to meet compatriot Marleve Mainaky in the
semifinals, and again showed that confidence that has carried him
this far.

"I will continue with my offensive play against Marleve. I
have never met him in an event, only in training. But you can't
go by the results of practice sessions to judge your opponent.
There's a very big difference," he said.

"I'm sure I can beat Marleve, but let's see tomorrow," Rony
added with a smile. (nvn)