RI coach draws up new strategy for Sudirman Cup
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)