Hendrawan aims to win in Sudirman Cup, World C'ships

JAKARTA (JP): The 2000 Olympics silver medalist Hendrawan is aiming for victory in both the Sudirman Cup mixed team event and the World Championships in his final appearance in both events.

"We have been preparing ourselves for the big days and I really hope to be able to bring home the trophy and become a world champion in my last performance in both events," he said on Tuesday when visiting National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar.

"My coach aims for me to become the champion. Looking at my preparation, I think I have a chance. I also want to break the curse of always being the runner-up in major events."

Hendrawan, who will turn 29 on June 27, managed to win only a silver medal in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok and the Olympics in Sydney.

Being the hero of the country's Thomas Cup squad in 1998 and 2000, Hendrawan has only collected three titles during his career: the 1997 Thailand Open, the 1998 Singapore Open and the 2000 Thailand Open.

Hendrawan, world ranked 11, brushed aside the issue of his possible move to another country.

"I have no comment on that. All I want now is to focus on the Sudirman Cup and World Championships. Then I'll think of my future," said the shuttler, whose wife is expecting a baby.

Reports claimed Hendrawan was considering quitting the court and starting a coaching career in another country. This is in sharp contrast to his expressed determination to return for the 2004 Athens Olympics to grab the gold.

Hendrawan also called on teammates to maintain unity for both major events taking place at San Pablo Stadium in Seville, Spain, from May 28 through June 10.

"We still have one week left and I really hope that all shuttlers will be able to improve their teamwork to accomplish the mission. Whatever happens, we'll be prepared. We'll give it our best shot."

Meanwhile, world number three Taufik Hidayat also expressed his readiness for the event.

"Reports have said that I'm inconsistent on the squad. But I am ready to fight and I'll take responsibility if I fail at the Sudirman Cup and World Championships."

The head coach and Indonesian Badminton Center training director, Christian Hadinata, called on shuttlers to remain consistent during matches, especially at crucial times.

"I really hope that the shuttlers manage to minimize their inconsistency, especially at critical points. The competition will be very tough and they must perform all out.

"I also hope they can improve over their achievements in 1999 events."

Indonesia managed to reach the 1999 Sudirman Cup semifinals in Copenhagen but completely failed at the World Championships as the shuttlers only reached the quarterfinals.

Men's doubles coach Herry Imam Pierngadi said that the three doubles would leave on May 26, three days after the first batch, to avoid restlessness in Seville.

"I can't risk going there earlier because my players usually only need two days to adjust themselves for the event. If they stay there too long, I'm afraid they'll lose their fighting spirit."

Indonesia is scheduled to meet England on May 29 and 1999 runner-up Denmark on May 30 in the Group B round-robin match. Group A matches will see defending champion China against former Cup holder South Korea and Sweden.

Wismoyo urged the shuttlers not to disappoint people.

"Badminton is the only thing left that can make us proud to be Indonesians. Don't disappoint the people, who expect you to bring victory and raise the honor of the country.

The badminton squad earlier visited President Abdurrahman Wahid at Bina Graha presidential office. (yan)