Shuttlers should 'forget bonuses'

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,"