RI shuttlers 'fighting fit' for Sudirman Cup in Glasgow
RI shuttlers 'fighting fit' for Sudirman Cup in Glasgow
JAKARTA (JP): Despite the changing weather, the Indonesian
team is fighting fit for the Sudirman Cup badminton championship
due to start today in Glasgow, Scotland, the team's deputy
manager said Saturday.
Hadi Nazri said in Glasgow that it was important for players
to retain their fitness, particularly against influenza and other
illnesses, while the weather warms up.
"There are some players who have light influenza but this does
not affect them much and I believe they will recover before the
competition begins," Hadi said while watching the team train.
The teams are training at the Scotstoun Leisure Center.
Indonesia and China practiced there Saturday morning. Denmark,
Sweden, England and South Korea practiced in the afternoon.
The Sudirman Cup ends on May 25. Indonesia will stay in
Glasgow for the badminton world championships from May 26 to June
1.
The Badminton Association of Indonesia has selected 31 players
for the two tournaments. They left for Glasgow on Thursday and
started training there Saturday.
Twenty-eight players, 16 men and 12 women, are in the team for
the Sudirman Cup.
Six countries will contest the Sudirman Cup, a championship
for mixed teams. They are defending champion China, Indonesia,
Denmark, South Korea, England and Sweden.
The Indonesian team consists of Joko Suprianto, Indra Wijaya,
Hariyanto Arbi, Alan Budikusuma and Budi Santoso in the men's
singles. Mia Audina, Susi Susanti, Meiluawati and Cindana in the
women's singles.
Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto, Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky,
Antonius/Denny Kantono and Tony Gunawan/Victor Wibowo will
compete in the men's doubles. Eliza/Zelina Rosiana, Indarti
Isolina/Deyana Lomban and Etty Tantri/Cynthia will compete in the
women's doubles.
Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur, Imam Tohari/Emma Ermawati,
Sandiarto/Finarsih and Flandy Limpele/Etty Tantri will team up
for the mixed doubles.
Indonesia will play Sweden on Tuesday before meeting Denmark
on Thursday. Hadi said Indonesia should not treat Sweden lightly.
"The shuttlers should play earnestly against Sweden. If they
win, their path would become easier when it meets Denmark," Hadi
was quoted by Antara as saying.
Men's doubles coach Christian Hadinata said the tie between
Indonesia and Sweden would be pivotal for Indonesia's tie against
Denmark.
"Sweden is considered a weak team but we must be cautious with
them since it also wants to beat Indonesia. What we have to
beware of is Denmark because it is a tough team to beat. Our
players must be fully prepared against Denmark," Christian said.
Denmark will meet Sweden on Wednesday.
Team coach Indra Gunawan said it was possible that Denmark
would not put up its best players against Sweden, but it would
certainly put them up against Indonesia. (lnt)