PBI shuttlers assured of 3 titles at Milo Open
By Novan Iman Santosa
SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Shuttlers from the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) assured themselves of three titles after setting up all-PBI finals in the boy's singles, girl's singles and girl's doubles at the 2001 Milo Junior Indonesia Open at the Bhinneka sports hall on Friday.
The top seed in the boy's singles, Sony Dwi Kuncoro of PBI, had to overcome a tough opponent in teammate Markis Kido in the semifinals. Sony eventually triumphed 15-8, 10-15, 15-11.
The first game was a tight affair, with Sony diving to the floor several times to return the shuttlecock. The two shuttlers engaged in long rallies to the delight of the spirited crowd.
In the second game, Markis bounced back from a 7-3 deficit to win the game 15-10.
But Sony, a finalist at the 2000 Junior Asian Championships and Junior World Championships, made use of his experience in winning the final game and securing a place in the final.
He will meet second seed Ardiansyah of PBI, who romped over Andre Kurniawan of Djarum Kudus, winning 15-4, 15-2.
"In the second game I was caught off guard by Markis' excellent rallying and net game. I didn't expect him to win the points, let alone the game," Sony said after the match.
"As for Saturday's final, I will be ready for Ardiansyah. I'll just do my best and fight. We know each other well.
"I'll rally first to see where the match is heading. I'll change my strategy depending on what happens in our match," he said.
Ardiansyah said the outcome of the final would depend on who was better prepared.
"I can't say anything, but I'm always ready to face any shuttler so there is no problem at all," he said. "The most prepared shuttler will win the match. As for myself, I will start attacking right away to grab points."
The top seed in the girl's singles, Dewi Tira of PBI, defeated Lilyana Natsir of Jakarta-based Tangkas Bogasari, the only non- PBI semifinalist, 11-7, 11-9 to set up a final encounter with Silvia Antarini of PBI. Silvia had little trouble dispatching teammate Ricasari 11-2, 11-3.
"I think I was not patient enough, especially in the second game, and made several unforced errors. But I succeeded in draining her energy by extending the games and not trying to score too quickly," she said.
Silvia told The Jakarta Post that she was very nervous going into her semifinal match.
"It seemed like an easy match, from the score, but I was very nervous and tense even last night. I don't know why, but Ricasari is a very good shuttler," Silvia said.
Silvia has beaten Dewi in 15 of their 16 previous encounters.
The girl's doubles pair of Monica and Lita Nurlita of PBI secured a berth in the final when the Japanese duo of Ikue Tatani and Ai Gotoh failed to appear for their semifinal match, having returned home on Friday.
In the other semifinals, PBI's Endang Nursanti and Lina Marlina defeated teammates Rani Mundiasti and Devi Sukma Wijaya 15-4, 15-6.
In the mixed doubles semifinals, Titon Gustaman and Frida Winaryati of Djarum Kudus beat clubmates Ruben Gordown and Pipit Dian Apsari 15-7, 15-7.
In the final, Titon and Frida will meet Devin Lahardi and Andriani of Jakarta-based Tangkas Bogasari, who defeated Ardian Kusnanto and Purwati of Djarum Kudus 17-14, 15-10.
In the boy's doubles, Hendra Setiawan and Joko Riyadi of Jaya Raya defeated Suherlan and Yoga Uki Kasah of West Java 15-13, 15- 6. They will meet Ruben Gordown and Belly Gunawan of Djarum Kudus in the final. Ruben and Belly defeated Devin Lahardi and Ricky Kristyawam of Tangkas Bogasari 15-3, 9-15, 15-6.