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)