Local shuttlers find no trouble in Sanyo World Cup

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