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)