Indonesia benefits from IBF's new ranking list
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia gets an advantage on the new International Badminton Federation (IBF) list of the Uber Cup team, with Yuli Marfuah as the number one singles in the semifinal round on Wednesday.
Team manager Christian Hadinata told The Jakarta Post from New Delhi that the IBF just released its list saying that Yuli would be Indonesia's first singles followed by Lidya Djaelawidjaja and Ellen Angelina.
According to an IBF ranking dated Feb. 10, Yuli is in the 47th position while Lidya is ranked 16 followed by Ellen as 25th.
"Perhaps Yuli got the higher position because her points were divided over the five tournaments she played."
"Without underestimating Yuli's technical skill, we have a stronger second and third singles compared to our rivals. This is our advantage from the new ranking list," Christian said.
"If Lidya competes as the first singles, it might not be easy for her to beat other countries' first singles. We have greater chances in the second and third singles."
Christian said he would not worry if the first doubles of Elysa Nathanael and Deyana Lomban did not have the burden of winning their matches.
"I have told the doubles not to lose a single point in every time they compete. We really rely on the doubles to win 2-0 to enable the singles to steal one more point to ensure our victory."
Indonesia is scheduled to face either India or Singapore for its first match on Wednesday. The Indonesian team comprises Lidya, Ellen, Yuli, Niniek Masrikah, Elysa, Deyana, Cynthia Tuwankotta, Etty Tantri, Indarti Issoliana and Carmelita.
Christian said the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi had helped by providing meals for the players.
"So far the players are in good condition. They have tried the courts, shuttlecocks and adapted to the wind in the stadium. Hopefully, they will perform well in the beginning," he said.
In New Delhi, AFP reported host India defeated Australia 5-0. Aparna Popat beat Kellie Lucas 13-10, 11-5, while B. Meenakshi defeated Jane Crabtree 11-5, 11-4. Third singles Manjusha Kanwar won 11-3, 11-2 over Laura Blackman.
In the doubles, P.V. Lakshmi and Madhumita Bisht eliminated Vanessa Tyrrel and Tania Luiz 15-6, 15-4 and second doubles Kanwar and Shruti Kurian overwhelmed Lucas and Crabtree 15-9, 15- 1.
In Sofia, Peter Rasmussen, who has endured an almost continuous chain of injuries since winning the world title in Glasgow three years ago, has now been forced to withdraw from Denmark's squad for the Thomas Cup world team championships starting here on Sunday.
Rasmussen has damaged ligaments in his left foot and is replaced by Anders Boesen, a 23-year-old from Copenhagen who has recently rose into the world's top 50. (yan)