Hendrawan focused on Sudirman Cup

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)