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.