RI second stringers hope to shine in Sudirman Cup

RI second stringers hope to shine in Sudirman Cup

COPENHAGEN (JP): The absence of Indonesia's top shuttlers will
enable the juniors to shine in the Sudirman Cup and World
Championships.

The expectation was expressed by Indonesia's team manager Agus
Wirahadikusumah on Monday while witnessing national shuttlers
practice in Skodsborg, a suburban area north of Copenhagen.

"We can see in the women's singles, without Susi (Susanti) and
Mia (Audina), second stringers like Cindana, Lidya
(Djaelawidjaja) and Ellen (Angelina) can compete freely among
themselves to show who's the best," said Agus, who arrived here
on Monday morning.

"We are in a transitional period between the seniors and
juniors. It also happens in other countries, including the
superior China," he said.

Susi Susanti, dubbed Super Susi for her title collection,
retired from badminton last July. The 1992 Olympic champion, who
married Alan Budikusuma in 1994, gave birth to a baby girl on
April 26. Alan also won the 1992 Olympic gold.

Mia, who was expected to replace Susi, declined to join the
national squad after her mother's death on April 28. She sparked
controversy recently due to her marriage to Surinamese Tylio
Lobman and her statement claiming she was a victim of child
abuse.

Agus said Cindana, Lidya and Ellen had improved a lot during
their preparation for Sudirman, which ends on Saturday, and the
World Championships next week.

"We are not expecting too much from them, but somehow I still
believe in our own strength that they can do more than expected,"
he said.

Agus said the Indonesian squad included seniors and juniors,
or new partnerships for both major events.

"We can see men's singles Taufik Hidayat or a new partnership
of Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian. They are our future stars," he
said.

The 18-year-old Taufik, world number 10, is the 1999 All
England finalist. He lost to world top shuttler Peter Gade
Christensen of Denmark. Taufik reached the 1998 Indonesia Open
semifinals, the 1998 Asian Championships semifinals and won the
1998 Brunei Open.

Flandy used to be a mixed doubles specialist with former
partner Risyeu Rosalina, who retired from badminton after her
marriage.

The partnership of Flandy and Eng Hian, nicknamed Didi,
started in the Indonesia Open 1998 in October. They reached the
Hong Kong Open semifinals, the Danish Open finals and won the
Korean Open. They are now world number two.

Contenders

Agus expressed hope that the shuttlers would not spoil their
chances, even slight ones, against their contenders.

"I've always told them not to be intimidated by their rivals'
big names. They must boost their self-confidence," he said.

With very poor preparation for both events, Agus still
expressed optimism that Indonesia could bring back the trophy.

"It's a very realistic and optimal target. With their good
condition, physically and mentally and technically, and solid
teamwork, I believe we can go home with the cup after having lost
ever since 1991."

Agus said he would not choose any contenders in the semifinals
as Indonesia had the same chances against either Denmark or South
Korea.

"Some of our players could overcome Korea, while others may
win over Denmark. We have equal chances, why should we pick
enemies?" he said. (yan)