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.