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)