It's all-Indonesian final in men's doubles badminton

It's all-Indonesian final in men's doubles badminton

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia secured the men's doubles title at the
2001 Badminton World Grand Prix Finals in Brunei Darussalam as
Candra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan will take on their compatriots
Halim Haryanto and Sigit Budiarto in an all-Indonesia final.

Unseeded in the event, Sydney gold medalists Candra and Tony
did not find it difficult to crush first seeds Jim Laugesen and
Michael Sogaard of Denmark 7-4, 7-2, 7-3 in just 22 minutes in
their Saturday semifinals bout at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

"Candra and Tony exploited the fact that they are faster and
stronger than the Danes with fast drives. Candra and Tony also
use their excellent rotation skills," doubles coach Aryono
Miranat told The Jakarta Post over the telephone from Brunei.

"On the other hand, the Danish pair preferred to send lobs and
placings. It was obvious that they were not ready to receive the
shuttlecock. Most of the time they were shocked when Candra or
Tony returned the 'cock," he added.

Meanwhile, Halim and Sigit were tested to their limit before
defeating second seeds Zhang Wei and Zhang Jun of China 8-7, 7-3,
4-7, 8-6 in 41 minutes.

"It was a very tight game because both pairs have similar
styles. Halim and Sigit still have to improve their rotation.
They usually play with Sigit standing near the net and Halim
sending the 'cock from behind the court," Aryono said.

"As for Sunday's final, it will be up to them. They have known
each other for quite a time. I will just sit and watch the game."

Currently, Candra is paired with Sigit and Tony teams up with
Halim after the Badminton Association of Indonesia decided to
have two pairs with relatively similar skills.

Indonesia also has hopes to grab two additional titles at the
men's singles and mixed doubles events.

Indonesian Open champion Marlev Mainaky cruised to the final
after crushing second seed Chen Hong of China 2-7, 7-1, 7-5, 7-5
in 39 minutes.

"I was not patient in the first game as I wanted to get a fast
win. Chen took advantage of it but I changed my tactics in the
subsequent games by restraining myself while continuing the
offensive," he told the Post.

"As with Xia on Sunday, I will just play my usual game. I have
to take the initiative while at the same time tighten my
defense."

Singles coach Agus Dwi Santoso admitted that Marlev had to be
more patient in playing Xia.

"There is a possibility that they will engage in a match that
really tests their physical endurance. It will be very tough
because Marlev must take the offensive without letting his guard
down," he said.

Another hope is in the mixed doubles with Tri Kusheryanto and
Minarti Timur cruising to the final to meet Jens Eriksen and
Mette Schjoldager of Denmark.

"We have a better chance of grabbing the title as Tri and
Minarti prefer to play fast. The new scoring system allows
shuttlers to take more attacking initiatives without being
worried about fatigue, as there are more breaks compared with the
old scoring system," said Aryono.

Meanwhile, China showed its domination in the women's division
by securing both singles and doubles titles in two all-Chinese
final matches.

In the singles final, top seed Zhou Mi will be challenged by
fourth seed Gong Zhichao.

Meanwhile, top seeds Huang Nanyan and Yang Wei will face
compatriots Jiang Xuelian and Chen Lin in their effort to grab
the women's doubles titles. (nvn)