Shuttlers set for Thomas and Uber Cup simulation games
Shuttlers set for Thomas and Uber Cup simulation games
JAKARTA (JP): Thomas Cup is about two months away, but this morning world champion Hariyanto Arbi and Alan Budikusuma will battle it out in practice matches at Cipayung, East Jakarta.
The same applies to the country's Uber Cuppers. Also this morning, in the same venue, badminton queen Susi Susanti will fight it out. Her opponent will be Kristin Yunita. Yet two Indonesian Uber Cup hopefuls, Mia Audina and Juliani Sentosa will miss the game because of injury.
Triaji, who coaches the country's men's singles shuttlers, said that it was a must for both Hariyanto and Barcelona Olympic gold medalist Alan to engage in an all-out duel. "They must never take the practice as mere exercise. They must do their best even though it is just a rehearsal."
To prove that, team manager Lufti Hamid said, the games will be open to the public. "We welcome everyone to the game," he said.
Lufti said every shuttler at the association's training center is entitled to take part in the practice games. Thus, the matches are not just for those selected for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup.
Lufti said there will be three other practice games after this one. They will be held in Batam (Apr. 5 to Apr. 6), Bandung (Apr. 27) and Istora Senayan (May 5).
"The composition of players for each practice game will be different. I hope Mia and Yuliani will be ready for the rehearsal in Batam," Lufti added.
Hermawan
Meanwhile, Hermawan Susanto said he wanted to withdraw from this year's US$30,000 Asian Badminton Championships in Surabaya slated for Apr. 17 to Apr. 21.
Hermawan, the oldest Indonesian top male shuttler, is expected to lead a pack of Indonesian second stringers in the annual championships.
"After losing to a young Dane in All England, I am not yet mentally ready for the (Asia) championships. All I need now is complete rest," Hermawan said.
Hermawan said the Badminton Association of Indonesia's training director, Iwan Setiawan, and his coach Triaji have agreed to release him. But Triaji, contacted separately, said that Hermawan's request for withdrawal is still under consideration. "We will see his condition within this week before deciding on it," Triaji said.
Mia Audina, on the other hand, was reported to have asked Iwan's permission to take part in the Asian Championships. "But Pak Iwan has made no decision regarding this," Triaji said.
The association's physical trainer, Tahir Djide, has met with orthopedist Dr. Chehab to discuss Mia's condition. Tahir said, "There is no problem with Mia's injury. Mia is fit for the championships provided she wears knee supports on both of her knees. But whether or not she will eventually be fielded in Surabaya is not known."
Yuliani said she was injured on the back of her left knee. "There is part of the muscle which has been torn. Doctors told me to take a rest for a while." (arf)
Fixtures of Thomas Cup simulation game: Joko Suprianto versus Hendrawan; Ade Sutrisna/Chandra Wijaya v Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky; Hermawan Susanto v Ardy Bernadus Wiranata; Denny Kantono/Antonius v Tony Gunawan/Rudy Wijaya; Hariyanto Arbi v Alan Budikusuma
Fixtures of Uber Cup simulation game: Susi Susanti v Kristin Yunita; Nonong Denis Zanati/Anastasia v Eliza/Riseu Rosalina; Elen Angelina v Cindana; Lili Tampi/Finarsih v Indarti Isolina/Deyana Susanti Lomban; Yuni Kartika v Lidya Djaelawijaya