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