Shuttlers tune up for Thomas, Uber Cup finals
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian top shuttlers shaped up for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals in simulation matches at the Senayan Indoor Stadium yesterday, with Hariyanto Arbi giving the only worry to the defending champions.
Former world champion Hariyanto was obviously not on his top form when he lost in three sets to his junior Marleve Mainaky in their men's singles match.
In the women's action, former Olympic champion Susi Susanti proved she deserved the country's top billing despite her fading stardom with a stylish 11-1, 11-1 win over Mia Audina, the most potential player to fill in Susi's shoes.
Yesterday's simulation, the third in the past week, served as the last ground to select players for the badminton team competition in Hong Kong next month.
Hariyanto, who is likely to play first singles in the Thomas Cup, came under doctors' scrutiny for lacking calium and missed the first two simulations in Denpasar, Bali early this week.
Hariyanto managed only to match attack-minded Marleve smash for smash in the first set which he won 18-15, but quickly dropped his form in the next two sets. Marleve restored parity with a 15-8 second-set win and clinched the match in an effortless 15-6 victory in the decider.
"Hari might have not totally recovered from his illness. He didn't play like he used to," world number 10 Marleve played down his win.
Up-and-down Marleve ousted Hariyanto in the Grand Prix finals in December last year.
The loss did not appear to bother world number seven Hariyanto as he mingled with his fans who asked for his signature outside the court.
Susi Susanti and Mia Audina who played at the opening matches had drawn most of the audience's attention as both performed equally attacking and defending from both sides.
Susi led the first set by 11 points and left zero to Mia while in the second set Susi bagged 11 and Mia got 8 points.
Mia declined to give comments on the matches and chose to mingle with her fans.
Susi said that she had been too familiar with Mia's strategy and style that she could easily beat her.
"I know her playing and her moves can be easily predicted although she's improving her play," Susi said after the matches.
Other shuttlers who took part in the simulation were George Rimarchdi, Joko Suprianto, Hendrawan and Indra Wijaya from men's singles, Meiluawati, Chindana, Lidya Djaelawijaya and Ellen Angelina from women's singles.
In the men's double the competing shuttlers were first seed double Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky, Antonius/Denny Kantono, Sigit Budiarto/Chandra Wijaya and Tony Gunawan/Chandra Wijaya.
For the women's double Elisa/Zelin Resiana, Etti Tantri/Cynthia Tuwankota, Indarti Isolina/Deyana Lomban, and Finarsih/Carmelita.
Chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia Subagyo Hadisiswoyo said he would announce the lineup of the teams for the two events next Friday.
"We will only name those who are well-prepared physically and mentally for the finals," he said during the simulation matches.
Subagyo confirmed yesterday that the organization would earmark cash bonuses to the Indonesian shuttlers if they manage to retain the two coveted trophies.
Subagyo said he would take some of the association's savings and ask some donors to provide the bonuses. He refused to disclose the potential donors and the amount of the reward would be.
"We will provide the money, no matter how much it is," Sugabyo said, adding that the bonuses would serve only as a stimulus for the shuttlers to play their best.
Giving cash rewards to a winning team or athlete have become a long-held tradition in the country. National athletes, including shuttlers, enjoyed a bonus spree after successfully help the country regain its domination in Southeast Asian sports last year. (emf)