Sigit wants to be world no. 1 again

SURABAYA (JP): Being dethroned because of a mistake was the most bitter moment for former world number one men's doubles player Sigit Budiarto. A year's absence from the court has been enough for him to improve his attitude and sharpen his vision in badminton.

"I want to be as successful as I used to be, but I know it will take time. Moreover, there are so many talented men's shuttlers now," he said before his Central Java team battled against Jakarta in the men's team event in the 15th National Games (PON) at the Soedirman badminton hall here on Friday.

The Central Java shuttlers trained at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, including men's singles Hariyanto Arbi, Budi Santoso and Johan Hadikusuma. Sigit partnered with Antonius Budi Ariantho while Andreas was with Denny Kantono.

The team managed to crush the Jakarta team 3-2 for the gold late on Friday.

Sigit, noted for his energetic performance on court and the perfect pair he and cool-headed Chandra Wijaya made, was banned from competing in national and international events for one year after failing a drug test in the five-star Singapore Open badminton championships in 1998. At the time they were world champions after beating Malaysians Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock in the 1997 world championships in Glasgow.

Due to the incident, he lost his number one position and Candra took on new partner Tony Gunawan. They are now number one in the world.

In November 1999, Sigit made a comeback, but it was too late for him and new partner Halim Heryanto to pursue world ranking to qualify for the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

"I hope I can compete in the 2004 Olympics. I want to be number one again. I know I can be outshone by juniors, but I have to take the risk. In the past, we also surpassed our seniors to be in the spotlight," said Sigit, who was born in Yogyakarta on Nov. 24, 1975.

Sigit said he was trying to develop contact with an assortment of people in the event that he decided to quit badminton.

"I try to expand my relationships and have more friends. I'm not planning to ask them for help when I have no money or no job, but I try to extend my point of view over the current state of affairs," he said.

Despite his one-year absence, Sigit is still remembered by badminton fans. He has played in five international tournaments, including the Thomas Cup championships in Kuala Lumpur last month.

While talking to The Jakarta Post, a man approached Sigit and asked if he would pose for a photo with the man's toddler. Sigit held the toddler while the man took a snapshot.

"I want to take pictures with the other top players too," said the joyful father before approaching Hariyanto.

Sigit remarked: "I'm happy that people still remember me, as long as they recall the good side of me." (ivy)