Indra has slim chance in Copenhagen Masters

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's singles shuttler Indra Wijaya was left with a slim chance of going through to the 1998 Copenhagen Masters final after one victory and one defeat on Sunday.

The Copenhagen Masters runs until Dec. 31.

Team manager Hadi Nasri said in his facsimile that Indra -- who has been absent from major tournaments lately due to his poor form -- defeated Malaysian Yong Hock Kin 15-11, 15-11 in the first session but lost to world number one Peter Gade Christensen 6-15, 6-15 in the second session.

In his first match, Indra took control from the beginning but sometimes gave away critical points. Experience and better technical skills helped Indra to fight back and win the match.

But in the second session, Gade Christensen took control and put Indra under immediate pressure. The 26-year-old Indonesian failed to fight back and lost easily to the Dane.

Hadi said that Indra must learn to control his emotions and maintain his consistency and concentration during a match.

"Indra's technical skills were better than Hock Kin's but he lost some points due to his unforced errors," he said.

Indonesia is sending Indra -- replacing world number five Hendrawan who was still not well after the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok, women's singles player Mia Audina and men's doubles pairing Ricky Ahmad Subagja and Antonius.

Ricky's partner, Rexy Ronald Mainaky, missed the tournament because he wanted to celebrate Christmas with his family after winning Asiad gold medals in the men's doubles and men's team events.

Indra must wait for the result between Hock Kin and Gade Christensen to know if he qualifies for the finals.

In group 2, Swede Tomas Johansson defeated the 1996 Olympic gold medalist Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen of Denmark but lost to Chinese world champion Sun Jun.

In the women's singles, Zheng Jaqiong of China defeated Kelly Morgan of Wales while compatriot Zhang Ning beat Mette Sorensen of Denmark.

In the men's doubles, host duo of Michael Soogard/Jim Laugesen defeated the British pairing of Chris Hunt/Simon Archer while the Chinese partnership of Zhang Wei/Zhang Jun beat Pang Cheh Chang/Cheah Soon Thoe of Malaysia.

Unfortunately, the results of those matches were unavailable.

Mia and Ricky/Antonius will play Monday. (yan)