PBSI pledges changes after All England failure

JAKARTA (Agencies): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will revise it training programs for the men's singles and mixed doubles following the poor showing of its shuttlers in both events at the just-concluded All England Open Championships in Birmingham, England.

PBSI executive training director Christian Hadinata told The Jakarta Post on Monday the association had expected its shuttlers in these events to reach the semifinals, at the least, but this target was not achieved.

"I realize that it would have been difficult to win the titles at the All England. But did they really make full use of their talents in only reaching the third round? It is really disappointing."

Olympic silver medalist Hendrawan lost to eventual finalist Chen Hong of China in the third round, while two-time All England runner-up Taufik Hidayat bowed out to Denmark's Anders Boesen.

In the mixed doubles, the coach's decision to split Olympic silver medalists Tri Kusheryanto and Minarti Timur proved costly.

Tri and his new partner, Indarti Issoliana, were only able to reach the quarterfinals, as were Minarti and partner Bambang Supriyanto.

"Compared to their teammates, the men's doubles players had extra training sessions, which helped them ensure an all- Indonesian men's doubles final. And it was outstanding to see three of our pairs in the semifinals," Christian said.

Indonesians Tony Gunawan and Halim Heryanto ousted compatriots Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto 15-13, 7-15, 15-7 in 81 minutes to win the All England title on Sunday.

Tony and Halim upset top seeds and compatriots Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian in the semifinals, while Candra and Sigit, the 1997 world champions, defeated the Malaysian duo of Choong Tan Fook and Lee Wan Wah to reach the final.

Christian said he was proud of Halim's performance in one of the world's most prestigious badminton events after being reteamed with former partner Tony.

"It was hard for Halim when Tony was partnered with Candra back in 1998. He was really floundering without a proper partner while we waited for Sigit to come back and compete again after his one-year ban for drugs.

"I know he was lacking self-confidence teamed up with Sigit, who was a world champion, and it is harder for him now with Tony as his new partner after Tony's victory in the Olympics with Candra."

Christian said he would look closely at the performances of the men's doubles shuttlers at the World Grand Prix Finals in Brunei from March 28 to April 1.

"Our main target this year is the World Championships. We will look at the performances of our men's doubles players at the Grand Prix Finals before deciding which pairs will compete in the biennial event in Seville in May."

The Indonesian squad is expected to arrive back home from England at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

21-year drought

Separately in New Delhi, Reuters reported that former champion Prakash Padukone led the applause for Pullela Gopichand, who became the first Indian to win the All England men's singles title since his triumph in 1980.

"It's a great day for Indian badminton. It is a red-letter day. He should now concentrate on maintaining the world number one position," Padukone said by phone from the southern city of Bangalore.

"Gopi showed his class and authority. There was no element of luck or doubt in his victory," said Padukone, who coached Gopichand at his academy.

Gopichand ended a 21-year Indian drought when he beat China's Chen Hong 15-12, 15-6 in Sunday's final.

Padukone said Gopichand's self-confidence put him ahead of many talented Indian players who did well at home but failed in international tournaments.

Gopichand, ranked world number 10 going into the championships, won his first major international title without dropping a game.

Vimal Kumar, a former national champion who coached Gopichand at Padukone's academy, said: "It is a victory for the Indian brand of badminton.

"Our game revolves around deception, varying pace and domination at the net. Prakash did not have a good smash but Gopichand has it."

Syed Mohammed Arif, the Indian national coach, praised Gopichand's courage in bouncing back from a career-threatening knee injury he suffered in 1994.

"Many people never play after such a major operation but he is a very determined and dedicated player who has come back very, very strong," he said. (yan)