RI shuttlers look past Asia Cup to World C'ships

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Indonesia will face host Singapore on Wednesday in their first match of the US$170,000 Asia Cup at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

But both Hendrawan and Taufik Hidayat said they viewed the event mainly as a warm-up for the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain, from May 28 to June 10.

"Everything is fine, it's all up to my performance on the court. I'll use this event to regain my form and my physical condition after a long absence following my marriage," world No. 11 Hendrawan told The Jakarta Post by phone on Tuesday.

"I need to regain my motivation and confidence following my poor showing in the All England. This is important before I compete in Seville, as I'm aiming to become the world champion," said the Olympic silver medalist.

World No. 3 Taufik Hidayat is taking a similar approach to the Asia Cup, saying he is looking at the event primarily as a warm- up.

"I'm already prepared and will take it somewhat easy here. This is a good warm-up for me before leaving for Seville," he said.

Indonesia's opponent on Wednesday, Singapore, will field a team made up largely of Indonesian-born shuttlers Aman Santosa, Indra Wijaya, and Ronald Susilo.

"I know their style of play and have lost some matches and won some matches against them. It will be a good opportunity to begin regaining my form. Personally, it's not a matter of wining or losing here, but I'll do my best since this is a team event that requires an effort from everybody to win.

"I don't want to underestimate Singapore or any of the other teams participating in the event. I want to take it one match at a time," Hendrawan said.

Indonesia is in Group A with Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Group B has China, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. Thailand is replacing India, which failed to send its best shuttlers, All England champion Pulella Gopichand and Abhinn Shyam Gupta, to the event.

In other Group A action on Wednesday, Hong Kong will face South Korea. In Group B, Japan will play Malaysia and China will meet Thailand.

Indonesia will face Hong Kong on Thursday and South Korea on Friday. Indonesia is expected to sail through the group for a place in the semifinals, leaving the other three Group A teams to fight it out for second place.

Meanwhile, Taufik denied reports that he considered leaving the Indonesian Badminton Center if the Badminton Association of Indonesia failed to extend the contract of coach Mulyo Handoyo, as reported by AFP news agency.

"I never said this and would never take such a step. It's inconceivable that I would leave the country," he told the Post. (nvn)