PBSI to ax participation in some meets

PBSI to ax participation in some meets

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)
has announced it is to cut its participation in several
international competitions.

MF Siregar, the association's technical director, said that
the move was prompted by the financial chaos currently blighting
Indonesia.

"Considering the financial situation, PBSI will only send
players to 13 international tournaments. Our participation in 11
other tournaments, including six junior ones, is being
reconsidered," Siregar said.

Siregar added PBSI still had a contract with sports equipment
company Yonex, even though the deal states Indonesia must compete
in 17 tournaments a year, 16 of which are named.

The 16 events are the Japan Open, German Open, world
championships, Sudirman Cup, Thomas and Uber Cups, Indonesian
Open, Hongkong Open, Korean Open, All England, U.S. Open,
Olympics 2000, China Open, Taiwan Open, Malaysian Open, Singapore
Open, Denmark Open and Indian Open.

Considering the limited funds, Siregar said PBSI should avoid
duplicating its training facilities.

"In the coming four years, there are a number of targets which
have to be achieved," he said.

Referring to the Japan Open, association secretary-general Leo
Ch Wiranata said Hendrawan would not take part because he was
suffering from paratyphoiid.

"We received a report from Hendrawan's doctor that Hendrawan
was suffering from paratyphoid and it was impossible for him to
compete in the Japan Open," Leo said.

Hendrawan is the second member of the team to withdraw. Susi
Susanti pulled out of the tournament due to a recurring thigh
injury.

With the withdrawal of Hendrawan and Susi, the Indonesian team
for the Japan Open will consist of 20 players.

They are Heryanto Arbi, Indra Wijaya, Joko Suprianto, Marleve
Mainaky, Budi Santoso (men's singles), Mia Audina, Cindana, Lydia
Djaelawidjaya (women's singles), Ricky Subagdja/Rexy Mainaky,
Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto, Deny Kantono/Antonius (men's
doubles), Elisa/Zelin Resiana, Deyana Lomban/Indarti Isolina and
Ety Tantri/Cynthia Tuankota (women's doubles).

The national economic crisis means the association is not
sending any mixed doubles to Tokyo, which Indonesia is treating
as a trial for the Thomas and Uber Cups.

The Japan Open is scheduled to begin Wednesday and run until
Jan. 18. It is offering prize money of US$200,000. (lnt)