National shuttlers confirm entry in Grand Prix Finals
National shuttlers confirm entry in Grand Prix Finals
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's world-rated shuttlers, including
Olympic silver medalist Mia Audina, have confirmed their
participation at the Lipton World Grand Prix Badminton Finals in
Denpasar, Bali, next week.
Sumarjono, the Badminton Association of Indonesia's executive
director, said yesterday that none of the 16 national players who
qualified for the Bali GP have withdrawn from the US$350,000
tournament, which is to be staged from Dec. 4 to Dec. 8.
Mia injured her leg during the Hong Kong Open championship in
early October during a match against Ra Kyung-min of South Korea
and women's doubles shuttler Eliza, who partners Zelin Resiana,
was struck down with measles some weeks ago.
"They both have confirmed that they are ready to play in the
tournament and have no physical problems at all," Sumarjono said.
The association has sent a letter to the International
Badminton Federation, confirming the national shuttlers'
participation.
Mia however is still undergoing physiotherapy with the
association's doctor Prof. Chaehab.
"We are still monitoring their physical condition even though
both shuttlers are in good shape," Sumarjono said.
Indonesia is to field defending champion Joko Suprianto,
Olympic bronze medalist Susi Susanti, Mia and junior Meiluawati,
four men's doubles, two women's duos and two mixed doubles.
Sumarjono said that Indonesia expects Joko to regain the title
and will be able to overcome Olympic gold medalist Poul-Erik
Hoyer-Larsen and his Malaysian archrival Rashid Sidek.
Olympic gold medalists Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky have the
chance to take the title from their old rivals Cheah Soon Kit/Yap
Kim Hock of Malaysia.
"We are relying on Joko to regain his title in the men's
singles. In other events, our shuttlers will have to be more
aware of other countries' shuttlers," Sumarjono said.
Earlier this month, Joko said that he would fight tooth and
nail to win the tournament, "especially because of the handsome
prize money."
China's Ye Zhaoying, the 1995 Grand Prix winner in Singapore,
will be Susi and Mia's toughest rival since Olympic gold medalist
Bang Soo-hyun of South Korea is missing the tournament as it
clashes with her wedding.
Rainmaster
Meanwhile, the organizers of the Sanyo World Cup Badminton
Championship, at the Senayan indoor stadium here from Dec. 11 to
Dec. 18 announced that they plan to ask rainmasters to drive away
rains in anticipation of leaking roofs.
The organizers learned their lesson from the Indonesia Open in
Medan, North Sumatra, in August, where the final match had to be
delayed for two hours due to the leaking roof of the stadium
after heavy rain.
"The organizers have checked the Istora Senayan's roof and it
is still leaking although we've tried our best to fix it,"
Karsono, the organizing committee chairman said before signing a
contract with Eka Life insurance.
Eka Life is insuring all 64 participating players, 28
officials and 63 organizers, each for Rp 500 million
(US$213,000).
Sulistyanto of Eka Life said that the amount is increasing by
almost 100 percent, from Rp 40 billion last year to Rp 77.5
billion this year.
Mark Adams of IMG said that Hoyer-Larsen has withdrawn from
the tournament without giving any reason.
Rudy Hartono of the BAI said that Indonesia's young hope
Haryanto Arby, who is known for his jumping smashes, is still
expected to take part.
"We're still waiting for the doctor's decision. But we won't
field a player who is unprepared for such a big tournament," he
said. (yan)