Hariyanto likely to miss World Cup

Hariyanto likely to miss World Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Hariyanto Arbi is facing uncertain
prospects of playing in the Sanyo World Cup badminton
championships here next month, due to an injury.

The reigning world men's singles champion strained his right
calf muscle during a match against former Olympic gold medalist
Alan Budikusuma in the last National Games in September. Since
then, he has stayed off the courts.

"I have yet to confirm my participation with the organizers,"
Hariyanto told Kompas and The Jakarta Post Friday.

The 25-year-old player had gone to Singapore for a medical
checkup after complaining about his calf, and has been receiving
medical treatment from Dr. Chaehab.

Hariyanto will see his doctor tomorrow for physiotherapy
treatment.

"I went to Dr. Chaehab twice last week," he said, "Besides, I
had a traditional massage from Haji Sowat."

Hariyanto put traditional medicine powder on his injured calf
while working out at badminton camp in Cipayung, East Jakarta on
Friday.

Coach Indra Gunawan said he would not force Hariyanto to take
part in the World Cup, to be staged from Dec. 11 to Dec. 15 at
the Istora Senayan Indoor Stadium.

"I want him to fully recover. He is our hope for the 2000
Olympics in Sydney," Indra said.

"If he insists on playing, he must be fit enough. Still, I'm
worried about his prospects in the tournament," he said.

Indra said Hariyanto badly needs a tournament as a warm-up for
next season. "There will be a lot of tournaments he must play
next year, including the title defense in the World
Championships," said Indra.

Hariyanto failed to qualify for the season-ending Grand Prix
Finals in Bali, due to his poor ranking. Only the world top 16
deserve tickets to Bali.

Indra predicted that Peter Gade Rasmussen of Denmark and Dong
Jiong of China would be Hariyanto's toughest opponents in the
future. (yan)