RI stars lose in China Open

RI stars lose in China Open

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia suffered one of its heaviest blows in
badminton this season when its top singles players flopped in the
China Open semifinals in Chengdu yesterday.

Women's singles world number one Susi Susanti was without her
characteristic stubborn style when she faced arch rival Bang Soo-
hyun of South Korea, who won the semifinal clash 11-2, 10-12, 11-
2.

Susi's exit came just after Indonesian men's singles top seed
Joko Suprianto was steamrolled 5-15, 10-15 by Dane Poul-Erik
Hoyer-Larsen's searing smashes.

All-England champion Hoyer-Larsen will meet home favorite Dong
Jiong in today's final after the Chinese beat another Dane, Peter
Rasmussen, in straight sets 15-8, 15-12.

Bang is seeking her second straight title after her Hong Kong
Open triumph against Chinese world champion Ye Zhaoying, who
edged compatriot Yao Yan 11-6, 12-9 in the other semifinal.

Not only did the upset loss dash Susi's hopes of revenge after
three straight defeats to Ye Zhaoying of China, it raised a big
question about the future of Susi's three-year-old grip on the
badminton world.

Bang got off to a flying start, her powerful strokes leaving
Susi pinched in her back court. The world number three sped to a
10-1 lead before sealing the opening set in less than 10 minutes.

A slow-starter, Susi gained ground in the second when she
stretched Bang in tiring rallies for a 6-1 lead. Numerous
unforced errors cost Susi the upper hand, allowing Bang to pull
level. Susi then waited for Bang's mistakes to force a rubber
set.

Bang played flawless attacking badminton in the decider, a
carbon copy of the opening set. The South Korean third seed
unleashed a flurry of drop shots and smashes to wreck Susi's
stubborn resilience, winning the prestigious match.

The South Korean last scored a win over Susi in the Sudirman
Cup mixed team championships in May. (amd)