Observer fears for RI in All England championships
Observer fears for RI in All England championships
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best chance of a title in the All England championships will be in the men's doubles, a badminton observer said yesterday.
Icuk Sugiarto, the 1983 world champion, said yesterday that only Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky are favorites to take a title in the championships, which will take place in Birmingham, England from March 13 to 17.
Ricky and Rexy defeated countrymen Antonius and Deny Kantono 15-12, 18-15, 15-8 in last year's final.
"In the other events in the All England tournament, especially in the singles there are more people who can now beat our players," he said.
Indonesia only brought home the men's doubles title last year. Susi Susanti failed to reach the final in the women's singles. She was defeated by Chinese-born Swede Lim Xiao Qing in the semifinal.
"In the women's singles, I think Susi has a chance to reclaim the title," Icuk said.
"However, I think she has to be backed up by our junior shuttlers as much as possible to close the gap between the senior players and the younger generation," he added.
Last year, Indonesia also failed to win the men's singles title. Hariyanto Arbi had to give up to Danish Poul-Erik Hoyer in the final 17-16, 15-6.
"In the men's singles, we should pay more attention to Chinese players, as well as Danish and Malaysian players," Icuk said.
He said that in the mixed doubles, Indonesia's chances of success will be reduced if Park Jo-bong of South Korea plays again.
"Our team will have a chance to get to the quarterfinals, but to win the title...I think it will be tougher if Park plays again," he said.
Indonesia's women's doubles players Elisa and Rosiana Zelin also failed to reach last year's final. They lost to Gil Young and Jang Hye-ock of South Korea 6-15, 3-15.
Icuk pointed out that junior shuttlers have to be included in the national team to get more experiences.
"I think we should include our juniors so they can get international experience for the Uber and Thomas Cup championships," he said.
"Without them, we won't have enough shuttlers in four or five years time," he added.
Icuk said that many shuttlers who attend the national training center in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, have been hitting top form and then stagnating because the Badminton Association of Indonesia won't field them.
"Many shuttlers have been kept in the center too long without getting any international experience. By the time they have to replace the seniors, they are too old," he added.
Icuk also expressed his hope that the association will maximize the potential of the current players instead of recruiting new ones. (05)