Subagyo upbeat over RI chances

JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo was upbeat yesterday about his team's chances of retaining the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup in May.

Subagyo said he had no concerns following the latest evaluation of the players' physical and psychological fitness.

"They are in top form in terms of skill, spirit and physical endurance. If it is possible we will give them more exposure," he said after opening the KASAD (Army Chief of Staff) Cup karate competition.

Subagyo, who is also the Army chief of staff, said the badminton body would keep a watchful eye on the players' performances during training sessions ahead of the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals in Hong Kong, which run from May 15 to May 24.

Second-seed Indonesia is grouped with Malaysia, South Korea and the Netherlands in the Thomas Cup. The other group comprises top-seed China, Denmark, Sweden and host Hong Kong.

In the women's division, top-seed China leads Denmark, Japan, and Hong Kong in Group A, while defending champion Indonesia is placed in Group B along with South Korea, the Netherlands and England.

Each team will play round-robin matches in the competition, with the top two teams in a group qualifying for the crossover semifinals. Group A winner will play Group B runner-up and Group B winner will meet Group A runner-up for places in the finals.

Subagyo said the Indonesian shuttlers, like other athletes, were facing premeet hurdles in the form of financial difficulties.

"The (economic) situation now is not favorable for preparations for such a big and important tournament. But we are out to defend both championship trophies."

He said the Indonesian team did not expect the same level of sponsorship for its Hong Kong trip as it has enjoyed in previous finals.

Subagyo also used the occasion to criticize the media for putting down the players being groomed for the two competitions.

Local media have been doubtful about Indonesia's bid to retain its titles following the players' shock defeats in the All England and other tournaments.

"Don't ever just criticize us. We need your morale support to emerge from our difficulties," he said. (emf)