Susanti to make badminton farewell at Glasgow c'ship
Susanti to make badminton farewell at Glasgow c'ship
LONDON (Reuter): Susi Susanti, one of the sport's major
figures, stages her likely swan-song at the world badminton
championships starting in Glasgow next week.
Although notoriously coy about naming the exact retirement
date, the Indonesian is in good enough form to exit on a winning
note and begin married life proper with husband Alan Budikusuma.
Both won gold medals at the 1992 Olympics but at home her trophy
cupboard is a shade larger than his and another world
championship medal would round it off nicely.
Susi lost her Olympic title last year but went on to win two
big championships and although she was a little disappointing at
the All England in March, she can never be ruled out at major
events.
The style and technique are as sound and distinctive as ever
and if the spirit is willing few would bet large amounts against
her.
The obvious danger is China's Ye Zhaoying, winner of the title
two years ago in Switzerland and back to form at the All Englands
where she overwhelmed young and nervous compatriot Gong Zhichao.
But the day cannot be long delayed when a big prize falls to
17-year-old Olympic silver medallist Mia Audina, Susi's
compatriot and a young lady touted as her successor for nearly
three years.
The burden of being seeded one seemed to weigh heavily on her
shoulders at the All Englands where she failed to reach the last
eight, but the youngster has the game to be a world champion and
youth is very much on her side.
Indonesia, the acknowledged powerhouse of the sport, is keyed
up to strike back against old foes China which won four of the
five titles at the All Englands and the men's championship could
be theirs via Heryanto Arbi, the current titleholder.
Heryanto had a disappointing Olympics and has been struggling
with injury but reports suggest he is in good trim again and his
chance cannot be ignored. His predecessor as world champion,
compatriot Joko Suprianto, is surely too long in the tooth, but
the Chinese have some talented youngsters.
Dong Jiong, Olympic silver medallist, went one better at the
All Englands where he beat former world junior champion Sun Jun
in the final.
Either looks good enough for world honours, while the only
European to disturb the Far East supremacy will probably be
Olympic champion Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen.
The Dane's motivation and form dipped after the glow of
Atlanta but if he is to remain in the top echelon he needs a bold
show in Glasgow.
Two weeks of badminton action start on Monday with the opening
rounds of the Sudirman Cup team event.
China won it for the first time two years ago and on current
form should keep the crown, but don't say that in Indonesia.