Press complain about Cups game schedule
JAKARTA (JP): The organizers of the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals are seeking every avenue to overcome coverage problems caused by the late evening program of the world badminton team championships.
Many morning daily journalists have complained over the fixtures for the May 10-21 competition, scheduled to begin at 7.30 p.m. Indonesian West Time (12.30 GMT), saying that they won't be able to make their deadlines.
The simulation matches held in the Senayan indoor stadium over the weekend started at 7 p.m. and finished after 11 p.m.
Organizing committee chairman Titus Kurniadi said yesterday he was discussing a way out of the dilemma with sponsors and hoped to reach a compromise by tomorrow.
"We'll keep any discussion over the most suitable time wide open. That's why we do not mention the time on the tickets we sell," Titus said.
Titus, however, refused to comment on the possibility of setting the clock back. "We are considering the interests of many parties. Our decision may not satisfy all of them," said Titus.
Citing an example, he said three out of the four courts provided might be used to stage a match between two teams in an attempt to allow journalists to get fit-to-print information.
The organizers have planned to stage four matches, two for the Thomas Cup and two for Uber Cup, simultaneously during the preliminary round. The eight finalists in each event will be divided into two groups, with the two best teams qualifying for the cross-over semifinals.
All of the matches will be aired live by the private ANteve which has won the broadcasting rights for the finals.
The Jakarta-based sports journalist association (Siwo PWI Jaya) has formally complained about the events start time and suggested that the matches should start no later than 6 p.m.
Chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) Soerjadi said he threw his weight to a discussion to reconsider the daily program.
Air conditioners
Titus also said yesterday that the organizers will prevent the wind coming out of the air conditioners from causing the shuttlecocks to drift.
Some players who joined last Saturday's simulation matches complained that the newly installed devices played havoc with their games. They said the could feel a strong wind from the machine atop of the stadium.
"We learned much from how technicians solved such problems during the 1992 Olympics," Titus said. He argued that the technicians from the management of Senayan sports complex were tuning up the new machines to meet the ideal temperature.
The Senayan sports complex management installed 30 air conditioners as a part of renovation project of the 32-year-old venue.
Indonesian Thomas Cup and Uber Cup teams have moved their training sessions to the newly reconstructed venue since last Thursday. They are scheduled to pay a visit to President Soeharto today. (amd)