Five Danish shuttlers suffering diarrhea

JAKARTA (JP): Diarrhea took its toll as Denmark suffered a surprising 2-3 loss to South Korea in the Thomas Cup men's team badminton championships on Friday.

The stomach virus hit five team members, world beater singles stars Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen and Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen and doubles specialists Thomas Henrik Svarre, Michael Sogaard and Jim Laugesen. Novice Laugesen was in fact lying on his bed at the Jakarta Hilton International hotel when South Korea pulled off the shocking upset.

Denmark, this year's number two seed, was favored to beat South Korea and represent Group B together with Malaysia in the final four round.

"We were affected by viruses we contracted through the food we ate at the hotel," Hoyer-Larsen said after his listless 9-15, 5- 15 showing against Kim Hak-kyun, whom he had beaten in their four previous encounters. Hoyer-Larsen added that diarrhea caused him to feel dehydrated during the match.

The virus quickly spread out among the Danish squad since they socialized and ate together, but no other teams have reported similar bowel problems.

All players and officials participating in the biennial Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals are billeted at the same hotel, the Hilton.

Hoyer-Larsen said he first developed stomach problems three days after his arrival here. He said diarrhea led to the strange lineup fielded by his team in which he played at first singles in place of Stuer-Lauridsen. The latter, instead, teamed up with Thomas Lund in the doubles.

"I couldn't play fully under these circumstances," Hoyer- Larsen said. "I'm sorry to tell you this fact," he told a handful of reporters who had been surprised by his poor performance.

"I'm quite relieved that we lost 2-3 to South Korea, since, barring a major collapse, we have a big chance to beat Malaysia 3-2," Hoyer-Larsen said. He expressed guarded optimism that he and his teammates would recover for the decisive match against the defending champions.

Denmark, which thrashed minnow Thailand 5-0 in their opening match on Wednesday, still can advance to the semifinals with a victory over Malaysia.

Denmark was shut out by the host Malaysians in the 1992 finals, who then went on to capture the coveted title for the first time in 25 years by sinking Indonesia 3-2. (amd)