PBSI to axe Paulus from Korea Open squad

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) official in charge of athletes development, Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, told reporters on Tuesday that women's doubles coach Paulus would not go to the six-star Korea Open.

"The reason for dropping Paulus from the list is not because of his problem with players Deyana Lomban and Carmelita but it's merely due to lack of funds," he said after attending a meeting with the National Sports Council (KONI) and sports organizations on the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

"We only want to send a coach who can cover all five events in the Korea Open but we have yet to decided who."

Deyana and Carmelita threatened to quit the Indonesian Badminton Center should PBSI still call Paulus to coach the women's doubles next year.

PBSI will temporarily close the center due to the long holidays and preparations for the National Interclub Championships in Banjarmasin late January.

Deyana and Carmelita said Paulus favored the new partnership of Etty Tantri and Indarti Issoliana by including them in the Korea Open squad. His decision meant that the other women's doubles players had to pay US$200 each to cover expenses.

"I believe Paulus can solve his problem with both Deyana and Carmelita given good communications," Siregar said.

Separately, Deyana said in a telephone interview that she and Carmelita would leave the problem to PBSI officials.

"I have spoken to Paulus this afternoon and I have concluded that he cannot understand what I want. I'll just leave the problem to the officials. Hopefully, they can find a good solution," she said.

"We only want the PBSI to send regular players because if they keep changing partners, the results and targets are unclear. We can't see the progress of each pair if the players keep changing."

PBSI had earlier listed Deyana and Carmelita and juniors Diah Novita and Rossy Riani for the Korea Open. But Paulus included Etty and Indarti as "it's a trial for them before the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain, in May."

"The three pairs have been selected. If we have to drop one pair out of the three, it's going to be very difficult," Siregar said.

Deyana said she objected to Paulus' decision because of his unfair judgment rather than the fact that she had to spend her own money.

"I don't mind paying the tickets with my own money, but the evaluation must be clear and fair."

Deyana also said that she and Carmelita had earlier met Jaya Raya club chairman, Ciputra, to discuss the problem.

"It's such a relief to speak to an older person who is willing to listen to our complains. Pak Ciputra suggested that we think about our decision and urged us not to be emotional."

"He also asked us to reconsider our decision to skip the Korea Open as it's a very important event for our career development," said Deyana, who will represent Jaya Raya in the National Interclub Championships. (yan)