Rexy sets modest target for Malaysian squad in Jakarta

Rexy sets modest target for Malaysian squad in Jakarta

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Former Indonesian badminton hero Rexy Mainaky is back home as
the coach of the Malaysian squad at the Indonesia Open, which
begins here at the Bung Karno sports hall on Wednesday.

Having been with the team for only three months, Rexy, who is
in charge of the doubles players, said he would not put too much
pressure on his young shuttlers, who range in age from 18 to 20.

"I have only coached them for three months. They have been
playing well in Malaysia, but I have little experience seeing
them play outside the country," Rexy said during the team's
practice session at the sports hall on Tuesday.

However, Rexy, who accepted the Malaysian job after a four-
year stint in England, said he was enthusiastic about his
players' prospects.

"Their chances? They all have the potential to reach at least
the final eight," he said.

Rexy knows a bit about being a champion, winning a gold medal
in 1996 along with doubles partner Ricky Subagja.

He said he was confident in the skills of his young players.
"But for the time being I am more concerned with the mental side
of the game, such as how they control their emotions ... because
they are young," said Rexy, who hails from Ternate, North Maluku.

Rexy said that while Indonesia was the team to beat at the
tournament, other players also had to be watched.

"We will be relying on (sixth seeded) doubles pair Chan Chong
Ming and Koo Kien Keat. They made it to the semifinals at the
recent World Championship in California," he said.

Koo said he was ready for the competition.

"I will not get carried away by the pressure. I will play the
best I can. I definitely want to be champion," said Koo, who,
along with Chan, beat Hendra Gunawan and Joko Riyadi of Indonesia
15-1, 15-5 during the Proton Malaysia Open in July.

Malaysia will field 30 shuttlers at the tournament.

Rexy said bringing a full squad to Indonesia was part of the
overall plan as the team looked toward 2006.

"The players' performance will be evaluated at the end of the
year. We have some big events next year," he said, referring to
the Thomas Cup and the Commonwealth Games.

The five-day US$250,000 Indonesia Open features players from
14 countries, including Indonesia.

However, China, which won three of the five titles on offer
last year, is skipping the event this year because it clashes
with its own national championship.(004)