Press complain about Cups game schedule

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)