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)