Indonesian shuttlers told to be wary of Japanese in Uber Cup
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian women's shuttlers should not take their Japanese rivals lightly when they meet in the opening match of the Uber Cup pink group in Kuala Lumpur next month.
Runner-up Indonesia is in the same group with Japan, Denmark and Malaysia while defending champion China is in the purple group with South Korea, Sweden and the Netherlands.
The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) official in charge of athlete development, Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, told The Jakarta Post that the national team's shuttlers must win against the Japanese in the tie on May 11 because they would face a tougher challenge against Denmark.
"In the just concluded Japan Open, I noted the threat from two Japanese shuttlers, Yasuko Mizui and Kanako Yonekura, and their young doubles pairing."
Young Indonesian shuttler Yuli Marfuah suffered a humiliating 1-11, 0-11 thrashing by Mizui in the first round of the Japan Open last week. Junior Niniek Masrikah bowed out to Chinese Zhou Mi 6-11, 0-11 in the opener.
"If we aim to reach the semifinals, we must beat Japan and Malaysia. We will be stretched to overcome Denmark as it has Camilla Martin and Mette Sorensen in the singles and Rikke Olsen and Helene Kirkegaard in the doubles," Siregar said.
With Indonesia's top singles Cindana Hartono ruled out of the tie by injury, PBSI is relying on Lidya Djaelawidjaja and Ellen Angelina. Cindana injured her left calf during a simulation session prior to the Uber Cup qualifying round in New Delhi in February.
"I think Lidya has learned a lot from her experience in New Delhi. She's more prepared to become the first singles."
Siregar said he discussed Cindana's condition with PBSI doctor Michael Triangto.
"Cindana was able to run but I want to see her performance on the court. We'll see how she performs in the simulation late this month."
Speaking on the likelihood of retaining the Thomas Cup, Siregar said Indonesia had a better chance in the event as it would meet Sweden in the opening match also on May 11. Indonesia is in the yellow group with Sweden, England and China.
Runner-up Denmark is in blue group with host Malaysia, South Korea and India.
"Sweden and England are one level below us. However, we must be careful during the round-robin matches. We must win both matches. After a two-day break, we will face China on May 16," Siregar said.
The schedule, issued by the International Badminton Federation, avoids the possibility of countries throwing matches to set up desired semifinal opponents as the last round-robin matches will take place at the same time. (yan)
Round robin schedule
Thomas Cup: May 11: Indonesia vs Sweden; China vs England; May 12: Malaysia vs South Korea; Denmark vs India. May 13: Indonesia vs England; China vs Sweden. May 14: Denmark vs South Korea; Malaysia vs India. May 16: England vs Sweden; China vs Indonesia; Denmark vs Malaysia; South Korea vs India
Uber Cup: May 11: Indonesia vs Japan; Denmark vs Malaysia. May 12: China vs Sweden; South Korea vs Netherlands. May 13: Indonesia vs Denmark; Japan vs Malaysia. May 14: China vs Netherlands; South Korea vs Sweden. May 15: Indonesia vs Malaysia; Japan vs Denmark; Netherlands vs Sweden; China vs South Korea