RI wary of Malaysian, Thai shuttlers at Games
JAKARTA (JP): National badminton coaches are on the alert for Malaysia and Thailand in the 19th SEA Games here next month.
Men's singles coach Indra Gunawan, speaking yesterday at the Badminton Training Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, warned that Malaysia has an equal chance of winning the men's singles and the men's team events at the biennial Games on Oct. 11-Oct. 19.
Indonesia will field Hariyanto Arbi, Indra Wijaya and Joko Suprianto in the men's singles and Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky and Candra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto in the men's doubles.
Malaysia will likely select Ong Ewe Hock, Yong Hock Kin and Jason Wong in the men's singles and Cheah Soon Kit/Pang Che Chang and Lee Chee Liong/Cew Choong Eng in the men's doubles.
Indra said the Malaysian singles lineup was strong.
"Hariyanto lost to Ong in the World Cup last month while Indra fell to Yong in the Indonesian Open in July. The Malaysians will play more confidently. We will have to try not to lose all three singles."
Indra said Yong, who has also beaten Dane Peter Gade Christensen, will play more solidly in the Games while Wong has proved himself a nemesis for Indonesian players in international events.
"Our odds in the men's singles are very tough," he said. "The shuttlers' performance is heading to consistency and I expect them to reach their consistent play as a preparation for next year's Thomas Cup championship."
Separately, men's doubles coach Atik Djauhari predicted an all-Indonesian men's doubles final.
"Ricky and Rexy have very great motivation because the SEA Games winner is the only title they have yet to win," he said. "For them, it's not just the SEA Games but a chance to complete their titles. They chose not to compete in the U.S. Open two weeks ago due to prepare for the biennial event."
Atik said he also expected Candra and Sigit to reach the final.
"Sigit just recovered from a stomach problem and he has yet to reach his peak condition," Atik said.
Atik identified Malaysian and Thai teams as Indonesia's toughest rivals.
Thailand will likely field Siripong Siripool/Khunakorn Sudhisodhi and Pramotee Teerawiwatana/Kitiporn Kitikul.
"If Malaysian players are injured, as we heard from reports, the Thai doubles teams may be more difficult to beat," Atik said.
Women's singles shuttler Mia Audina said she will face a strong challenge from Singaporean Zarina Abdullah and Thai Pornsawan Plungwech.
"But the toughest rivals will be my teammates Susi Susanti and Meluawati," she said.
Indonesia will field Susi, Mia and Meluawati in the women's singles and Elysa/Zelin Resiana and Indarti Issoliana/Deyana Lomban in the women's doubles.
The teams are rounded off by mixed doubles pairing Tri Kusharjanto and Minarti Timur.
Atik said a decision would have to made on the second mixed doubles pair to compete in the individual event.
Venues
Badminton Association of Indonesia technical coordinator Christian Hadinata said the hardness of the courts may cause injuries unless shuttlers warm up properly.
Matches will be held at the Badminton Hall on Jl. Asia Afrika. The hall, which has seven courts, will only use four during the Games.
Unfortunately, there have been complaints over lack of maneuverability of the courts as organizers did not cover the original surface with carpet before installing the court.
"Our shuttlers must try the courts soon to adapt their movement with the hard surface," Christian said. "They will also need good massage on their knees and legs after practicing or playing, especially for players with explosive power like Hariyanto, Indra or the doubles pairs."
"We can also prepare for the surface by putting more insoles in their shoes," he added. (yan)