Indonesia ready for India in Uber Cup
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.