JP/14/TONY

JP/14/TONY

Primastuti Handayani
The Jakarta Post
Jakarta

Badminton star's retirement shock

Indonesia's top men's doubles player Tony Gunawan shocked
badminton fans by announcing his retirement from the Indonesian
Badminton Center (PBI) in order to study abroad.

Tony - who this year won the All England and World Champion
titles with partner Halim Haryanto - said he planned to continue
studying computer science but rejected speculation that he would
move to another country.

"I am an Indonesian and I will be the same. Even if I play
abroad, it's more to earn income to finance my study. I won't
represent another country in a multisports event. I promise you
that," he told The Jakarta Post by phone on Tuesday.

"I'm aiming to study as I realize that badminton won't be able
to guarantee my future. This is the right moment to start
studying although I'm ready if my study isn't as successful as
badminton. If I wait until my retirement, it's too late for me to
continue studying," he said, giving a hint that he might study in
the United States.

The Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games finalist,
with Bambang Suprianto, said he preferred to study in a country
which was no contest to Indonesia in badminton.

Rumors about Tony's retirement began circulating last week but
he denied the speculation, saying he would make an announcement
when he was ready.

Tony, who last year won a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics
with Candra Wijaya, denied that he had lost the motivation to
play.

"Every time I remember the moment I was presented with the
gold for Indonesia, I'm very proud. I really want to do that
again in the future, but that's impossible."

He said he hadn't followed the path of his girlfriend Etty
Tantri, Indonesia's women's double shuttler.

Etty quit badminton after competing at the Sudirman Cup and
World Championships in Seville, Spain, in May, to continue
studying in the United States.

Tony was born in Surabaya on April 9, 1975, the youngest of
Budianto Gunawan and Handayani Halim's three children. He has won
most Grand Prix series titles and multisports events, except the
SEA Games and Asian Games golds.

Tony's partner Halim will team up with junior Lulu Hadianto
and prepare for their debut in the Denmark Open this month.

Tony said he would still practice and serve as a practice
partner at the center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

"I have explained to my teammates and they understand my
decision. I will still help them with the training until my
departure."