RI shuttlers get advantage from hot weather in Seville

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's head coach Christian Hadinata said the national shuttlers did not suffer any handicaps during their training session at the San Pablo Stadium in Seville, Spain, on Friday due to the hot weather in the city.

"The weather here is hot and it's much better than competing in chilly weather. We are practicing at the venue and are focusing on technical problems," Christian told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview.

"We also had a morning training session for physical fitness. The athletes are in great condition."

Indonesia's first contingent -- comprising team manager Karsono, Christian, deputy team manager Hadi Nasri and 14 athletes -- touched down in Seville on Thursday morning.

The second contingent -- including men's doubles coach Herry Imam Pierngadi, men's singles Taufik Hidayat and Marlev Mainaky, and men's doubles Candra Wijaya, Sigit Budiarto, Tony Gunawan, Halim Heryanto, Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian -- will fly to Seville Saturday evening.

Christian said the PBSI decided to divide the squad into two groups due to their need to adjust to the conditions.

"Some players need a longer adaptation period in a new place, including men's singles Hendrawan. The second batch players only need about two or three days to adjust to the conditions here. If they stay here longer before the event, they'll lose the fighting spirit and their concentration."

Speaking on mixed doubles specialist Minarti Timur, who came down with fever two weeks ago, Christian said that the 33-year- old shuttler has recovered and was now in good condition.

"She's ready to play and she has shown great progress during training."

Indonesia will face England on Tuesday and Denmark on Wednesday in the Sudirman Cup round-robin match.

Christian said the Indonesian shuttlers must be able to win over England to secure the semifinal berth.

"The main problem is we can't try the court for the event as the organizers have yet to finish installing the lighting system."

"Tomorrow, we can practice at the venue in the morning and afternoon.

Meanwhile, the International Badminton Federation released the results of the draw for the World Championships from June 3 to June 10.

Olympics silver medalist Hendrawan is facing a qualifier in the first round. Should he clear the hurdle, he is likely to face Dane Rasmus Wengberh.

If Hendrawan manages to reach the third round, he will likely have to challenge top seed Roslin Hashim of Malaysia.

World number three Taufik Hidayat is scheduled to meet the Netherlands' Dicky Palyama in the first round. Should he manage to eliminate Singaporean Ronald Susilo in the second round, Taufik is likely to meet Chinese Chen Yu.

Marlev will meet Colin Haughton of England in the first round while Johan Hadikusuma is to face American Kevin Han. (nvn/yan)