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)