Local shuttlers find no trouble in Sanyo World Cup

By Primastuti Handayani

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's singles players dominated their opponents in the first day's round-robin matches of the 1997 Sanyo World Cup Badminton Championship at the Among Rogo sports hall here yesterday.

After a few early problems, Joko Suprianto easily overcame Thomas Johansson of Sweden 15-5, 15-3 in only 30 minutes.

Young hopeful Indra Wijaya, finalist at the Singapore Open last month, beat Martin Lundgaard Handsen of Denmark 15-3, 15-10 in 43 minutes.

Hariyanto Arbi was on edge yesterday after losing the second game to Briton Darren Hall. Hariyanto, nicknamed Hari, finally won the match 15-2, 11-15, 15-2 in 39 minutes.

Old-hand Ardy Wiranata had trouble in the first game but eventually won 15-12, 15-2.

Defending champion Dong Jiong of China struggled before beating Jeroen van Dijk of the Netherlands 15-8, 15-9.

India's Gopichand upset Luo Yigang 13-15, 15-6, 15-11.

Women's singles defending champion Susi Susanti easily defeated Judith Meulendijks of the Netherlands 11-3, 11-1.

World champion Ye Zhaoying of China beat Takako Ida of Japan 11-3, 11-1.

Mens doubles world champions Sigit Budiarto/Candra Wijaya won against Chinese pair Tao Xiaoqiang/Ge Cheng 15-6, 15-7.

They will meet Peter Axelsson/Par Gunnar Johnsson of Sweden today.

The 30-year-old Joko had a hard time in the beginning and was held to 2-2 before romping away to lead 12-3. Johansson only earned two more points before Joko wrapped up the first game 15- 5.

Cheered on by nearly 2,000 spectators, Joko finished the match 15-3.

Coach Indra Gunawan said Joko took time to adapt to the court and the shuttlecock before eventually finding his rhythm.

"Joko played well today and his physical condition is also good. He doesn't have problems with his thigh injury anymore. But he did have to concede to his opponent at the front of the court because Johansson is a very tall player," he said.

Joko sustained his injury at the Grand Prix Finals in Bali last year.

He is scheduled to meet Luo Yigang of China today.

Singapore Open winner Hari said he could not control the bird in the second game and lost his concentration.

"I don't know why I lost control but it's not because of the wind on the court. I then tried to play at the net and I won the third game," he said.

Hall said he was surprised he was able to take the second game and that Hari made many unforced errors.

"I had a stomach ache before playing but I forced myself. Unfortunately, I couldn't stand it anymore in the third game," he said.

Ardy said he failed to control the shuttlecock in the first game but in the second his opponent started to lose stamina and he finally took the match.

Ardy will meet Sun Jun of China today.

Indra Gunawan said he was satisfied with his four players performances but "they will have to play better tomorrow because their opponents will be harder to beat."

"Our opponents did not perform at their best today, especially the Europeans. If our players cannot play better tomorrow, I'll be very worried."

Results

Men's singles: Joko Suprianto (Ina) v Thomas Johansson (Swe) 15-5, 15-3 Dong Jiong (Chn) v Jeroen van Dijk (Ned) 15-8, 15-9 Hariyanto Arbi (Ina) v Darren Hall (Gbr) 15-2, 11-15, 15-2 Indra Wijaya (Ina) v Martin Lundgaard Hansen (Den) 15-3, 15-10 Gopichand (Ind) v Luo Yigang (Chn) 13-15, 15-6, 15-11 Ong Ewe Hock (Mal) v Hwang Sun-ho (Kor) 15-11, 15-3 Ardy Wiranata (Ina) v Soren B. Nielsen (Den) 15-12, 15-2 Sun Jun (Chn) v Tam Kai Chuen (Hkg) 15-2, 15-6

Women's singles: Ye Zhaoying (Chn) v Takako Ida (Jpn) 11-3, 11-1 Susi Susanti (Ina) v Judith Meulendijks (Ned) 11-3, 11-5 Mia Audina (Ina) v Marina Andrievskaya (Swe) 11-3, 11-1 Gong Zhichao (Chn) v Pornsawan Plungwech (Tha) 11-7, 11-2

Men's doubles: Sigit Budiarto/Candra Wijaya (Ina) v Tao Xiaoqiang/Ge Cheng (Chn) 15-6, 15-7 Lee Dong-soo/Yoo Yong-sung (Kor) v Andreij Antropov/Nikolaj Zuev (Rus) 15-10 15-4 Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah (Mal) v Peter Axelsson/Par Gunnar Johnsson (Swe) Ricky Subagdja/Rexy Mainaky (Ina) v Chris Hunt/Simon Archer (Gbr) 15-6 15-7

Women's doubles: Ge Fei/Gu Jun (Chn) v Nicola Beck/Joanne Davies (Gbr) 15-5, 15-2 Qin Yiyuan/Tang Yongshu (Chn) v Chen Li-chin/Tsai Hui-min (Tpe) 15-4, 15-9

Mixed doubles: Liu Yong/Ge Fei (Chn) v Par Gunnar Johnsson/Catrine Bengtsson (Swe) 15-10, 15-6 Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur (Ina) v Flandy Limpele/Risyeu Rosalina (Ina) 15-3, 15-9