Sony wants a more testing time, Koreans find taste of home
Sony wants a more testing time, Koreans find taste of home
MISSING IN ACTION: National number two Sony Dwi Kuncoro, the
last local man standing in the singles competition at the Djarum
Indonesia Open, is already guaranteed US$5,000 prize money as a
semifinalist.
But the 14th seed, who upset sixth seed Wong Choong Han of
Malaysia on Friday, wishes the game's top names had made the trip
to Jakarta for the tournament, which carries the highest rating
of six stars on the International Badminton Federation calendar
and offers total prize money of $250,000.
"The competition is tough but there is still something
missing. For the All England, which is only four stars, all the
top players turn up," the 21-year-old Athens Olympic bronze
medalist said, referring to the sport's oldest tournament.
Although Malaysia sent its top men's players and Denmark is
represented by Kenneth Jonassen, badminton powerhouse China opted
to have its players compete in the national championships this
week.
COMFORT FOOD: Korean Lee Hyo Jung, who is top seed in the
women's doubles with Lee Kyung Won, has played in Jakarta several
times and is happy about one thing in the Indonesian capital.
When she wants a bite of bulgogi or a spoonful of kimchi, it
is right here for the taking.
"It's easy to find Korean food here, Jakarta has lots of
Korean restaurants," the 24 year old from Seoul said.
It may be the cuisine that is helping their campaign in the
Indonesian capital: The top seeds won their quarterfinal on
Friday over Thailand's Duang Anong Arunkesorn and Kulchala
Worawitchichaikul 15-4, 15-1.
CLAMORING FOR ATTENTION: The plastic tubular balloons bearing
the sponsor's logo have become a much sought-after item for
spectators, who bang them together to support their favorite
players.
In fact, they are so popular that the people hired to
distribute them have to act quickly if they do not want to get
trampled in the stampede from young and old alike.
"Give me one, give me one," was the united cry from the stands
as one man tried to make his way through the advancing fans.
Those seated in lower stands were unfortunate that all the
balloons were grabbed within a few steps of the door. One of the
distributor's tried a novel plan by putting the balloons into a
black plastic bag, but he was quickly set upon by the madding
crowd. (004)