RI coach draws up new strategy for Sudirman Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is preparing a special strategy to face Danish, South Korean and Chinese shuttlers in the Sudirman Cup badminton championship in Glasgow, Scotland, from May 19 to May 25.

The national men's singles coach, Indra Gunawan, said the strategy would be in accordance with the players' conditions.

"The condition of the players is the most important thing we have to be aware of in applying the special strategy. Our main concern is when one of the players is injured during practice," Indra said.

Indra was talking about Joko Suprianto, who injured his left leg while practicing with Indra Wijaya. Joko then injured his thigh and did not compete in the final round of last December's Grand Prix in Bali.

Joko is now fit and ready for the Sudirman Cup. But Indra hopes he will not be injured in the coming championship.

Indra did not explain the strategy which Indonesia would use in the Sudirman Cup but said it included changing injured players.

Joko is Indonesia's main hope to win the mixed-team Sudirman Cup championship.

"Joko is our backbone, especially when facing Chinese players like Dong Jong and Sun Jun," Indra was quoted by Antara as saying.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) recently named 31 players for the Sudirman Cup and world championships.

The world championships will also be in Glasgow, from May 26 to June 1.

Joko, Indra, Hariyanto Arbi, Alan Budikusuma, Budi Santoso will compete in the men's singles. Mia Audina, Susi Susanti, Meiluawati and Cindana will contest the women's singles.

Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto, Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky, Antonius/Denny Kantono and Tony Gunawan/Victor Wibowo in the men's doubles. Eliza/Zelin Rosiana, Indarti Isolina/Deyana Lomban and Etty Tantri/Cynthia will play in the women's doubles.

Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur, Imam Tohari/Emma Ermawati, Sandiarto/Finarsih and Flandy Limpele/Etty Tantri will team up in the mixed doubles.

Six countries will contest the Sudirman Cup. They are defending champion China, Indonesia, Denmark, South Korea, England and Sweden.

China will send 28 shuttlers to the tournament, including men's All England winner Dong Jiong and runner-up Sun Jun and women's singles stars Ye Zhaoying and Gong Zhichao.

Anniversary

PBSI celebrated its 46th anniversary yesterday at the training center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

The anniversary was highlighted by the visit to Sudirman's grave at Tanah Kusir, South Jakarta. The association's chairman, Soerjadi, along with PBSI officials and shuttlers visited the grave.

Sudirman was a former PBSI chairman.

Soerjadi said in his brief speech at the anniversary that the shuttlers must work hard to capture both the Sudirman Cup and world championship titles.

"I will not promise any bonuses to the players participating in the two tournaments," Soerjadi said. (lnt)