Hendrawan focused on Sudirman Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Men's singles coach assistant, Joko Supriyanto, said Hendrawan would be prepared for the Sudirman Cup, while Taufik Hidayat and Budi Santoso would receive training for the World Championships.

"We have been grooming them better each day and hopefully they can show their best form at both events. They are the best singles players we have. Hendrawan will have to focus his attention only on the Sudirman Cup, while Taufik and Budi will be prepared for the World Championships," said Joko, the former world champion.

The 1998 Asian Games silver medalist Hendrawan, the 1999 All England finalist Taufik and the 1998 Indonesia Open finalist Budi have been nominated to join Indonesia's squad for both events in Copenhagen from May 10 to May 24.

Joko said he would not exert too much pressure on Hendrawan as he prepared for the singles at the Sudirman Cup.

"We'll also review our rival's strength. It depends on our strategy. Either Taufik and Budi can also replace Hendrawan in the Sudirman Cup."

Indonesia has failed to retain the Sudirman Cup since the event was staged here in 1987.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) official in charge of athletes development, Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, said the organization would stage a physical fitness test on Saturday at the Senayan Madya Stadium. PBSI has been consulting with physical trainer Tahir Djide to prepare shuttlers for both major events.

PBSI also plans to stage simulations on April 23 at the Armed Forces (ABRI) headquarters stadium in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, and on April 28 at the Indonesia Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

Hendrawan is scheduled to meet Taufik while Budi will challenge Hariyanto Arbi. In the women's singles, Cindana will face Ellen Angelina while Lydia Djaelawijaya will meet a men's shuttler.

Men's doubles Tony Gunawan and Candra Wijaya will challenge Denny Kantono and Antonius while Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky are to meet Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian.

Women's pairs of Indarti Issoliana and Carmelita and Cynthia Tuwankotta and Etty Tantri will both meet men's doubles. The mixed doubles of Bambang Suprianto and Minarti Timur will face Tri Kusherjanto and Zelin Resiana, while Wahyu Agung and Emma Ermawati will meet Imam Tohari and Vita Marissa.

PBSI chairman, Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, said the association would announce the names of Indonesia's squad members after both simulations. He has appointed vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah as the team manager.

Subagyo said PBSI had intensified athletes training to prepare for both events.

"I think the shuttlers are highly motivated because it's been 12 years since our first victory in the Sudirman Cup."

Subagyo emphasized that PBSI would provide a second chance to top women's shuttler Mia Audina, although her name was not included for the simulation.

"Mia is still needed by PBSI. We hope she can take care of her physical and technical condition, specially after her marriage."

Subagyo declined to punish Mia for undisciplined behavior. Mia skipped training for three weeks, after her quarterfinals loss at the All England badminton championships, to marry Surinamese Tylio Lobman on March 30.

"Mia is our daughter. We can't just punish her. Don't consider her as our enemy. Giving her a warning letter is a way to show that we care and we don't want her to ruin her life," said Subagyo, who is also the Army chief of staff.

However, a source at PBSI, said that as a result of Tuesday's meeting among officials, it had been decided that Mia would be dropped from the squad, but apparently Subagyo had another perspective.

The 19-year-old Mia said she would hold a press conference next week to explain her controversial marriage decision with Lobman. (yan)