Injured shuttler to lead RI team in Taipei Open
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)