Injury forces Hariyanto to quit World Cup c'ship
JAKARTA (JP): Top seed and defending men's singles champion Hariyanto Arbi pulled out of the World Cup badminton championships yesterday with an injury that threatens Indonesia's campaign for a clean sweep.
Hariyanto gave in to his chronic hamstring injury during a morning practice at the Senayan indoor stadium, the venue for the US$180,000 tournament, on the eve of his group opening match against Lee Mi Chow of Chinese Taipei.
"It's such a terrible pain that I cannot take it," world champion Hariyanto grinned as he limped off the court. "It reminds me of the same strain I suffered in the Indonesia Open over a month ago," he said.
Hariyanto was forced out of the Indonesia Open semifinals by the same injury when he played eventual champion Ardy Wiranata.
Indonesia, however, keeps its chance to seize the men's singles crown wide open by letting former world number one Joko Suprianto in.
"We have no other choice but Joko. He's the most well-prepared player for the tournament," Iwan Setiawan, training director of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), said yesterday.
According to the world badminton rankings used to determine the players eligible for the invitational tournament, U.S. Open champion Hermawan Susanto should have taken Hariyanto's place.
"No, we have our own considerations. Joko is fresher than Hermawan," said Iwan. Joko has been out of his best form this season, but managed to win the Asia Cup in Beijing and Singapore Open and reach the Indonesia Open final.
Hermawan, runner-up to Joko in the 1993 World Championships, rose to number two on the latest world rankings behind Hariyanto, thanks to his U.S. Open victory. He is now playing in the provincial games in Serang, West Java, and is scheduled to take on fellow member of national squad George Richmardi in today's final.
Women's doubles
Injuries also threaten Indonesia's dreams of clinching the women's doubles as Lili Tampi will bring her stomach problem with her on court.
"I'm not sure about winning the title," Lili said. She will team up with her regular partner Finarsih in the Group A round- robin matches.
The Indonesian number one women's pair crashed out in the first round of the Indonesia Open to Japanese minnows, Akiko and Aiko Miyamura.
"Lili and Finarsih desperately need a win to restore their status," national coach Indra Gunawan said. "They should take advantage of the absence of their Chinese and South Korean foes," he added.
World champions Gil Young-ah and Jang Hye-ock of South Korea and their runners-up Ge Fei and Gu Jun skipped the tournament here.
Indonesia is also relying on rising stars Eliza and Zelin Resiana.
The five-day tournament kicks off today, with new top seed Ardy starting his campaign against Ong Ewe Hock of Malaysia in their Group B match. Women's singles top seed Susi Susanti will also return after taking a full month's rest, playing Yasuko Mizui of Japan. (amd)