Japanese shuttlers see hot weather as problem
JAKARTA (JP): Japanese shuttlers will have to deal with Indonesia's hot weather as they prepare for the A King Asia Cup Championship tomorrow at the Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium.
Koji Miya, Japan's team manager, said yesterday that his players are trying to adapt to the weather here.
"In Japan, it's still winter and the temperature is only 10 degrees Celsius. But here is very hot and the temperature reaches 34 degrees," he complained in broken English.
Koji was not aware that the venue for the championship would be air-conditioned.
"It's very good if the venue has air conditioner, it will help us," he said after being informed him of the climate control.
However, the Japanese are not very optimistic about winning the US$150,000 badminton tournament, which ends on Sunday.
"Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea are very strong. We're just underdogs. The challenge is much bigger for us," he said.
Malaysia, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, India and host Indonesia are participating in the event.
Japan will field Takahiro Suka, the country's number one player, Yuzo Kubota, who ranks number eight in Japan, Takuya Katayama and doubles Shinji Ohta and Takuya Takehana.
Japanese second best Fumihiko Machida passed on the tournament in order to take part in three Grand Prix series; the Chinese Taipei Open, Japan Open and Korean Open tournaments.
Koji said the Asia Cup, badminton's first biennial event for men's teams, should help other Asian countries develop their badminton potential.
"I hope by taking part in the Asia Cup other countries will be able to improve their badminton quality. I want them not to be far left behind the 'giant countries' in badminton," he said.
Koji, who was appointed team manager early January, said that all team members who join the NTT Tokyo club are expected to take part in the All England championships next month.
The organizing chairman, Karsono, added that India has yet to send the names of its athletes, one day before the event is scheduled to begin.
"They have confirmed their participation but we haven't received their list of names," Karsono said.
India replaces China, which withdrew from the tournament due to financial problems between players and officials.
Tournament director Minarni Sudaryanto said that the Asian Badminton Confederation's secretary-general, Punch Gunalan of Malaysia, might not attend the tournament due to illness.
The confederation's chairman, Tong Yun Kai of Hong Kong, has confirmed that he will arrive on Feb. 21 to witness the semifinals and finals matches, which are to be aired live by private TV station SCTV.
Indonesia's best shuttlers, singles and doubles, will receive a $5,000 bonus from sponsor PT Aqua Golden Mississippi. The best shuttlers from other countries will also receive $5,000 bonus from the company, promoter IMG said. (yan)