Injured shuttler to lead RI team in Taipei Open

JAKARTA (JP): Former Indonesian number one shuttler Haryanto Arbi is to lead the country's squad at the Chinese Taipei Open next week despite carrying a right thigh injury.

Haryanto, who injured his leg during the National Games in September, is expected to reach at least the semifinals in the event which will be staged from Jan. 8 to Jan. 12.

Coach Indra Gunawan told The Jakarta Post that he is still worried about Haryanto's physical condition because he injured his thigh again during New Year's practice.

"After recovering from his leg injury, Hari (Haryanto's nickname) injured his right thigh yesterday," Indra said.

He said that he would not push Hari to play in the event if the injury is still hindering the 24-year-old player next week.

Hari has to a wear knee support and spend more time than usual stretching to prevent him from getting injured.

"I prefer to urge him to take a break than force him to take part in the tournament. I told him many times that he is preparing for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney," Indra said.

According to Indra, Hari also has to deal with psychological problems because of his three-month rest.

Hari failed in the Atlanta Olympics in August and in the Indonesia Open in Medan, also in August. He was beaten there by junior Jeffer Rosobin, who replaced him in the World Cup Badminton Championship here in December. Jeffer, making his debut in the tournament, managed to reach the final.

Hari, ranked 15th in the world, will not be seeded in the Taiwan tournament due to his ranking. He will have to overcome many higher-ranked players to reach the semifinals.

Indra sees Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen, who is expected to take part in the tournament, as Hari's strongest opponent. He could not name other opponents as he has not yet received the list of entrants.

Juniors Hendrawan, Salim and defending champion Hermawan Susanto are also to take part in the tournament.

Defending men's doubles champion Antonius/Denny Kantono, who are also the Olympic bronze medalists, will face strong challenges from teammates Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky, the Olympic gold medalists, and newcomers Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto.

Mia Audina has to fight by herself in the women's singles as badminton queen Susi Susanti has decided to miss the Taipei event.

Indonesia is to send juniors Nonong Denis Zanati/Carmelita for the women's doubles and Imam Tohari/Ema Ermawati and newly formed Sandiarto/Finarsih in the mixed doubles.

Finarsih used to partner Lily Tampi but was forced to end the partnership when the latter got married in December.

Finarsih and Lily played a pivotal role in helping the country retain the Uber Cup in Hong Kong last May.

The national squad is scheduled to leave Jakarta for Taiwan on Sunday. (yan)