Shuttlers should 'forget bonuses'

JAKARTA (JP): A badminton observer has said financial bonuses should not be shuttlers' first priority in the Sudirman Cup and world championships.

Former women's player Minarni Sudaryanto said player's priority should be their performances.

"I suggest they set aside bonuses as their first thought and think more of their performance," Minarni was quoted by Antara as saying Sunday.

National men's singles coach, Indra Gunawan, agreed saying players should not expect any bonuses if though they would probably get them.

"The most important thing is to finish their job at the two tournaments and then think of the bonus. The players must try hard to recapture the Sudirman Cup," Indra said.

The Badminton Association of Indonesia's (PBSI) chairman, Soerjadi, said during the federation's anniversary celebration that several sponsors had already prepared player bonuses for the Sudirman Cup and world championship.

But Soerjadi did not say how much the bonuses would be.

"It will be decided before the players depart for Glasgow, Scotland, on May 15."

The two tournaments will be in Glasgow with the Sudirman Cup from May 19 to May 25 and the world championships from May 26 to June 1.

Six countries will contest the Sudirman Cup. They are defending champion China, Indonesia, Denmark, South Korea, England and Sweden.

The Cup was named after Indonesian badminton's founding father who was at the helm of the PBSI for decades and steered the sport to bigger international scene.

PBSI named 31 players for the Sudirman Cup and world championships. Joko Suprianto is Indonesia's hope to lead the mixed-team Sudirman Cup and win the championship title.

Joko, Indra Wijaya, Hariyanto Arbi, Alan Budikusuma, Budi Santoso will compete in the men's singles. Mia Audina, Susi Susanti, Meiluawati and Cindana will contest the women's singles.

Chandra Wijaya/Sigit Budiarto, Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky, Antonius/Denny Kantono and Tony Gunawan/Victor Wibowo in the men's doubles. Eliza/Zelin Rosiana, Indarti Isolina/Deyana Lomban and Etty Tantri/Cynthia will play in the women's doubles.

Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur, Imam Tohari/Emma Ermawati, Sandiarto/Finarsih and Flandy Limpele/Etty Tantri will team up in the mixed doubles.

Minarni said he hoped Indonesia's players could prove they were still the world's best.

"The players should show their motivation and confidence to win and not have any burden on their minds. Let us look at the Uber Cup where we took the Cup because of our strong motivation,"