Marlev still showing style despite eight-year drought
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)