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)