Indonesian shuttlers look for world titles
Indonesian shuttlers look for world titles
Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian shuttlers, after failing once again to win the
Sudirman Cup, will be looking for redemption at the World
Championships in August in Anaheim, United States.
"Our spirits are high. We are ready to win the world
championship," doubles specialist Candra Wijaya said on the
sidelines of a practice session at the national badminton
training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Saturday.
With partner Sigit Budiarto, Candra was not sorely tested
during the best-of-five matches at last week's Sudirman Cup in
Beijing. They were rested in the team's 5-0 drubbing at the hand
of China in group match play, with the team preferring to hold
them back for the decisive match against Denmark.
Indonesia trounced the European giant 3-0 to advance to the
final. With the men's doubles scheduled as the fourth tie, Candra
and Sigit did not have to swing a racket in the victory over
Denmark.
In the final, Indonesia lost to China 3-0, leaving Candra and
Sigit no chance to lead a comeback.
Looking ahead, Candra said he and Sigit were optimistic about
their chances in Anaheim, which will host the World Championships
from Aug. 15 to Aug. 21.
Candra and Sigit won the Swiss Open in April this year, which
helped push them up to fifth in the IBF world rankings.
Another doubles specialist, Luluk Hadiyanto, is also feeling
confident.
"Hopefully, we will become world champions," Luluk, who pairs
with Alvent Yulianto, said.
World number eight Taufik Hidayat also sent a clear message
about his desire to pick up more silverware to go with his
Olympic gold medal.
Taufik, only the second singles player to win an Olympic gold
for Indonesia, after Alan Budikusuma turned the trick in
Barcelona 1992, would likely have been the favorite in last
month's All England but he was sidelined with a knee injury.
Indonesia's squad for the Anaheim tournament will include
Taufik and world number 19 Sony Dwi Kuncoro (men's singles);
Luluk/Alvent, Candra/Sigit and world number nine Markis
Kidho/Hendra Setiawan (men's doubles); world number 21 Jo
Novita/Lita Nurlita and world number 34 Nathalia Poluakan/Rani
Mundiasti (women's doubles); world number 48 Adrianti Firdasari
and Fransiska Ratnasari (women's singles); world number five Nova
Widianto/Lilyana Natsir and world number 18 Anggun Nugroho/Yunita
Tetty (mixed doubles).
The championship will feature 64 players each in the men's and
women's singles, and 64 pairs each in the men's, women's and
mixed doubles.