Determined Cindana proves her point

COPENHAGEN (JP): Cindana Hartono Kusuma is no longer overshadowed by Indonesia's controversial sports starlet Mia Audina. She proved that even without Mia, she could beat seventh seeded Gong Zhichao in the World Championships on Thursday.

The 22-year-old shuttler, who had never come up against Gong before, said she only tried to keep the ball going.

"I kept telling myself that I always have a chance. I am comparable to elite players," she said.

After her victory, Cindana was interviewed by a local radio station.

"I don't care if my English is good or not. It's more important to answer their questions. I have the confidence to speak in front of many people in English despite my bad grammar," she said with a laugh.

Cindana, who was born in the small town of Tulungagung, East Java, on June 8, 1976, has never been considered special. But her hard work changes all impressions of her.

During her six-year stay at the National Badminton Center, Cindana only won two Grand Prix series titles, in the 1997 India Open and 1999 Swiss Open.

"By winning those two tournaments it means I still need to practice harder. If I can win a tournament it means I can also win another," said the youngest child of six.

During the championships, Cindana always asked an Indonesia team official to record her performance.

"I need to watch and to evaluate my performance."

Christian Hadinata, deputy team manager and head coach, said Cindana did not have a great talent but her hard work helped her to reach her ambition.

"But she has a problem in increasing her power. If we gave her more weight training, I'm afraid she could be injured."

Cindana said the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) treats Mia better than it does her and teammates Lidya Djaelawidjaja and Ellen Angelina.

"That's not a reason to give up. Now without Mia on the team, we have to prove that we can be reliable even though our performance may not as special as hers. But we try our best," she said.

Cindana, daughter of the late Mulyo Hartono Kusuma and Sri Haniwati, started playing badminton at a small club Tunas Harapan in her hometown when she was in elementary school.

When she was in junior high school, she moved to the bigger Djarum club in Kudus, Central Java. She is still with the club.

"This year I want to make my performance steady. I want to win more Grand Prix series to prove that my victories in two previous series were not only coincidences."

Substitute

Cindana said the absence of coach Liang Chiusia did not affect her performance.

"I don't see the difference because I want to prove that I don't depend on my coach. I am the one who's playing, not my coach. I have to decide what to do on court."

"I have learned step by step and I am willing to continue it."

Cindana said she heard the PBSI plan to expel senior players who have not performed well in international tournaments.

"If PBSI wants to replace me, my substitute must be better. But PBSI must have a reason if it wants to expel me. If I can still show good form, I believe the officials will not do that."

Cindana said she would work harder to qualify for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

"At least I have to reach the Olympics semifinals next year. When I'm there, I'll think of winning." (yan)