RI eyes Asiad volleyball quarters berth
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to go no further than the quarterfinals in the Asian Games men's volleyball competition due to a tough draw, national team training director Suharsono said on Tuesday.
The draw conducted last week put Indonesia in Group B along with defending champion China, Qatar and Mongolia.
Suharsono predicted his team could reach the final eight by finishing second behind China in the round-robin group matches but would then probably meet either South Korea or Chinese Taipei which are favored to head Group D.
The teams are divided into four groups, with the winners and runners-up qualifying for the quarterfinals.
"We can beat Qatar and Mongolia to book a place in the quarters, but South Korea and Chinese Taipei are very strong teams," Suharsono said at the Sentul volleyball training camp near Bogor, West Java.
Indonesia will be making its first appearance in the Asiad volleyball tournament since 1986.
Asian Games host Thailand was placed in an easier group A with India and Lebanon. The Thais should, on paper, top the group and, with favorite Japan almost certain to win Group C, have a great chance to reach the medal matches.
Group C also includes Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Despite the fact that its task, even to win a bronze, is a near mission impossible, the Indonesian men's volleyball team is being allowed to take part in the Asiad as a replacement for the disgraced national soccer team.
Indonesia is serving an indefinite suspension from the Asian Football Confederation for bringing Asian soccer into disrepute during a bizarre match it played with Thailand in the Tiger Cup early this month.
Suharsono said his squad would rely on Loudry Maspaitella, Andry Widiatmoko, Eko Purnomo, Octavian, Robby Meliala and Risco Herlambang.
Six back-up spikers will be selected next week.
The national volleyball team will leave the country on Oct. 24 for a two-week overseas stint in the Chinese towns of Chengdu, Sichuan and Guangzhou.
Chinese coach Li Qiujiang said he suggested a stint in Japan or the United States but the Indonesian Volleyball Federation preferred China for financial reasons.
"The stint will reveal players' weaknesses, so that we can improve them after returning home. Our biggest headache is the lack of competitive spirit due to the 12-year absence from the Asiad," the coach said.
Team captain Loudry, who joined the team on Sept. 1, complained about the poor teamwork. "This is maybe because most of the players are juniors. Us more senior players need to help them build a well-knit team and improve their individual skills," he said. (yan)