Marlev still showing style despite eight-year drought
JAKARTA (JP): July 29 was not just another Sunday for Marlev Mario Mainaky. The 30-year-old Indonesian had a check for US$13,600 from the Sanyo Indonesia Open in one hand and 11-month- old son Alweyn Jantje Putra Mainaky in the other, as he stood before nearly 5,000 badminton fans at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium.
Marlev, a stylish shuttler, put an end his eight-year title drought by claiming men's singles title at the event, defeating Malaysian Lee Tsuen Seng 6-8, 7-5, 7-3, 7-3 in the final.
"I dedicate my victory today to my family. It means a lot to me," he said. "Now that I was able to win my first Grand Prix series title in eight years, I must pay more attention to my family's welfare. I have to improve my living standards."
Born on March 3, 1972, in Ternate, North Maluku, Marlev said the victory gave him confidence that he could still win despite his age.
"The new scoring system allows me to launch more attacks without worrying about my stamina, especially against younger shuttlers."
Marlev's offensive barrage caught Lee off-guard, leaving the Swiss Open runner-up few chances to strike back. Instead of long lobs and rallies, Marlev constantly intercepted Lee's shuttlecock and sent it back with a smash.
The son of the late Jantje Rudolf Mainaky and Vera comes from a strong badminton background.
Older brother Richard coaches Indonesia's mixed doubles pairs at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, while another older brother, Reony, coaches for the Japan-based YKK badminton club.
Marlev's other older brother, 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist Rexy, is coaching England's doubles pairs, and younger brother Karel is also a shuttler.
Marlev -- who has a great interest in boxing and is a big fan of Oscar de la Hoya -- seemed to get lost in the shuffle at the badminton center after grabbing his first, and until Sunday only title in 1993.
Despite his ideal build and light footwork, he seldom made it to the finals of events, let alone won titles. This caused officials at the Badminton Association of Indonesia to warn him constantly to improve his performance.
Marlev was projected since the early 1990s to strengthen Indonesian men's singles camp, along with Alan Budikusuma, Joko Suprianto, Ardy Bernardus Wiranata and Hermawan Susanto. But he failed to live up to expectations.
But the presence of Helen Pouky, Marlev's long-time girlfriend who he married in 1999, has helped him begin to live up to the promise he showed early on. And the birth of Alweyn gave him a big boost, with his form showing marked improvement since his son was born.
Marlev is now seeking another career path and is in intensive negotiations with Reony to join the coaching staff of the Japanese club.
"I am still negotiating the terms with Reony. We haven't come to any deal yet as I am still focused on playing. I will have to wait until that is over.
"But I think I'll still play badminton for a while, especially after winning this title. It proves that I can still win."
Despite his repeated statement "I no longer have the motivation to be a winner", the Indonesian has proven his value to the country, as shown during the 2000 Thomas Cup semifinals where he defeated Kenneth Jonassen of Denmark in the do-or-die nail-bitting deciding match with the countries tied 2-2.
The 1.78-meter Marlev is now eying the upcoming World Grand Prix Finals in Brunei from Aug. 8 to Aug. 12. He aims to bring home the title and finally lose the bitter taste of his failure at the 1999 Finals, when he lost to Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark in the final. (nvn)