Rexy enjoys coching stint in England

Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta

Former Indonesian badminton star Rexy Mainaky looks to be enjoying his coaching stint in England.

Rexy, paired up with Ricky Subagdja, won the Olympic gold in Atlanta.

After their failure to defend the title in Sydney in 2000, Rexy announced retirement and chose to try his coaching expertise in England in 2001.

"Actually, deep in my heart I wish I could go back and live in Indonesia, but it's difficult because my children seem to have become used to living and studying in England," he said.

Rexy is married to Henny Saijati, and has two daughters: Geraldine and Christian Rudolph, six and four years of age respectively.

His second contract will expire 2005 and Rexy sees the possibility of extending it thereafter.

"This is my fourth year in England. My first contract ended in 2003. They renewed it up to 2005. Maybe after it ends next year, they'll extend the contract again," he said.

He was seen chatting with former partner Ricky during the practice session on Thursday.

Asked about his team's chances in the Thomas Cup, he said that he did not have a target for his team, given that it would be hard to win the Cup with competitors like China and Indonesia.

The England team has its best doubles players in Nathan Robertson and Clark Anthony, who are ranked 11th in the world.

England is in the same group as Japan and Denmark. In its first match, it lost to Denmark 5-0. On Sunday, it was involved in a tight contest with Japan before going down 3-2 to finish at the bottom of Group D.

England will now have to play against Thailand for a place in the quarterfinals.

Despite the prospects of the playoff, Rexy said he had enjoyed his trip home, as he always did.

"It's great to be here. Well, it's like going home for free as I am here with the England team," he said laughing.

Back in the 1990s, Rexy and Ricky won the prestigious All England tournament twice.

They won the World Championships in 1995 and helped the Indonesian team win the Thomas Cup four times. During those triumphant years, the pair earned Indonesia its only gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Commenting on Indonesia's Thomas Cup lineup, which includes young players such as Simon Santoso who is only 19 year old, Rexy said that Indonesia should be able to retain the Cup.

"I think Indonesia has a good chance of retaining the Thomas Cup. The should have a more than 50 percent chance," he said.