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)