Indonesia ready for India in Uber Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is optimistic the team can overcome host India in the first day of the Uber Cup semifinals in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Team manager, Christian Hadinata, told The Jakarta Post Tuesday that on paper, Indonesian women's shuttlers would be able to beat the Indians.

"However, we must pay attention to India's first singles Aparna Popat as she usually competes in the International Badminton Federation (IBF) Grand Prix series," he said.

It was decided in a managerial meeting that Indonesia will field Lidya Djaelawidjaja as the first singles, followed by Ellen Angelina, Yuli Marfuah and Niniek Masrikah.

"I briefed the players after today's practice and told them to try their best to win tomorrow. They are not allowed to lose," Christian said.

"Lidya has known she carries a great burden on her shoulders but I believe she will accomplish the mission to lead the team to victory."

India ensured a place in group X with Indonesia, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong while Singapore is joining group Y with Japan, Korea and Thailand in the super league.

In New Delhi, AFP said Thailand crushed Mauritius 5-0 to advance to the eight-team super league in the Thomas Cup qualifying tournament here on Tuesday.

The Thais, who did not drop a match in the three preliminary ties, join favorites China, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong in one group of the super league.

The other group comprises Korea, Japan, host India and the winners of the last preliminary tie between Singapore and Australia.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals to determine the three qualifiers for the Thomas and Uber Cup finals in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur in May.

The super league matches in both the men's and women's events start on Wednesday.

Earlier, the formidable Thai men wrapped up all their five matches against Mauritius in straight sets.

Thai number one Boonsak Polsana overcame a spirited fight from Denis Constantin in the opening singles before winning 15-8, 15- 10 in 34 minutes.

The second singles was a cakewalk for Anupap Thiraratsak, who blitzed Yogesh Singh Mahadnac 15-4 15-0.

Jakrapan Thanathirat had an even easier time against Hyder Aboobakar, winning 15-0, 15-1 in just 12 minutes. The Thais then won both the doubles easily.

In the Uber Cup, the Singapore women faced no problems against Australia, depleted by the absence of their top player Rayoni Head who stayed home to train for the All-England championships and the Sydney Olympics.