RI wary of Malaysian, Thai shuttlers at Games

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)