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)