PBSI expects women shuttlers to reach semifinals in Sydney
PBSI expects women shuttlers to reach semifinals in Sydney
JAKARTA (JP): Despite the poor performance of national female
shuttlers in the last year, the Badminton Association of
Indonesia (PBSI) training director, Christian Hadinata, still
hopes they can reach the Olympic Games semifinals in both singles
and doubles events.
"The highest target in the Olympics for our female shuttlers
is to reach the semifinals. If they can do that, they will have
performed extraordinarily well as it's been difficult for them to
reach regular Grand Prix series semis," Christian said Friday
after a training session at the Indonesian Badminton Center in
Cipayung, East Jakarta.
"I don't mean to underestimate their skills ... they must
consider my statement as a challenge. They must prove that what I
said is wrong, that they can reach the semis."
"If they fail to reach the semis, then our female shuttlers
were stagnant."
Indonesia has qualified world number 17 Lidya Djaelawidjaja
and world number 21 Ellen Angelinawaty in the singles. It also
qualified the world number nine pair of Etty Tantri and Cynthia
Tuwankotta and world number 11 duo Elysa Nathanael and Deyana
Lomban.
Christian said the shuttlers' low ranks have put them in the
edge position for the draw, which will be conducted September 7.
"They will meet top seeds in early rounds. Let's just hope
that they won't lose in the first round."
Christian said Chinese and South Koreans no longer rule
women's competitions.
"European shuttlers, who used to be underdogs compared to us,
have performed much better in international tournaments lately.
They are new threats for our shuttlers despite our long-time
rivalry with China and South Korea."
Lidya is optimistic on her chances to reach the semifinals.
"Based on my performance in the Indonesia and Malaysia Opens
recently, I believe my game has been improving. I only need to
focus more for the Olympics," she said after training.
Lidya reached the Indonesian Open semifinals, losing to
eventual winner Camilla Martin of Denmark, and the Malaysian Open
quarterfinals, losing to Kelly Morgan of Wales.
"I have evaluated my probable opponents at the Olympics and I
have been trying to visualize their form and anticipation."
Lidya named Chinese shuttlers Gong Zhichao, Dai Yun and Ye
Zhaoying; Martin and Indonesian-born Mia Audina, now playing for
Holland, as strong candidates to win the gold medal.
"With 64 players in the draw, I have to play four matches to
reach the semifinals. I just hope I don't face any top seeds in
early rounds," said the 1999 Indonesian Open winner. (yan)