RI to meet China in Thomas Cup semis

RI to meet China in Thomas Cup semis

HONG KONG (Reuters): Holder Indonesia rested former world
champion Hariyanto Arbi yesterday but was still too strong for
Malaysia in their final group match in the Thomas Cup men's team
championship.

Indonesia's victory secured it top spot in group B against
opponent which did not really care if it won or lost. Both
countries had already qualified for the semis along with strong
Danish and Chinese teams.

In the semifinals tomorrow, Indonesia will play China which
lost 2-3 to Denmark in the group A top-of-the-table match later
yesterday.

Denmark, has world number one Peter Gade Christensen, Olympic
champion Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen and world champion Peter
Rasmussen in its ranks but has not hit top form here.

Malaysia, coached by the respected Morten Frost who led
Denmark to the final two years ago, rested top singles player Ong
Ewe Hock and the injured Yap Kim Hock.

Frost had wanted the schedule changed to force Denmark and
China to play at the same time as the Malaysia vs Indonesia clash
but said he had not been making a point to organizers by fielding
a weakened side.

"There is a chance Ong would have played if the schedule had
been changed but I still told every player to try their best," he
said. "It is up to Denmark and China to fight it out if they want
to meet us - the winner plays us.

"I would prefer to meet Denmark. It is for everyone to see
that Denmark are not playing well."

Indonesian team manager Agus Wirahadikusuma said he had rested
Hariyanto to give him more time to recover from a muscle strain.

"He is still suffering from the match on Monday and I want all
the team fully fit for the finals and semifinals so we can play
full out," he commented.

He added that the team morale was high despite the turmoil in
Indonesia where riots have left some 500 people dead in the past
week.

"We are giving support and help to the players' families and
the situation has not influenced the players too much," said
Agus, an army general. "The players can contact their families at
any time."

World number nine Hendrawan came back from a game down to beat
Yong Hock Kin 9-15, 15-7, 15-2 and Olympic champions Ricky
Subagja and Rexy Mainaky had a comfortable 15-7, 15-13 victory
over Cheah Soon Kit and Choong Tan Fook.

Roslin Hashim pulled back a point for Malaysia with a win over
Marleve Mainaky before world champions Candra Wijaya and Budiarto
Sigit wrapped up the tie with a 15-6, 15-7, triumph against Lee
Wan Wah and Tan Kim Her.

Meanwhile, Indonesian coach Christian Hadinata hinted that he
would pick debutant Ellen Engelina his third singles choice for
the semifinal match against Denmark today.

"She has shown her maturity as well as physical and technical
readiness for a crucial match," said Christian as quoted by
Antara. Ellen won a deciding rubber that gave Indonesia a 3-2 win
over the Netherlands in the group match.

Former Olympic gold medalist Susi Susanti and Mia Audina will
likely play the first and second singles respectively for
defending champion Indonesia.

Results

Group B
Indonesia 4 Malaysia 1
South Korea 3 Netherlands 2

Group A
Denmark 3 China 2
Sweden 4 Hong Kong 1