Susi and Joko meet Chinese foes in Sanyo World Cup finals

By Primastuti Handayani

YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Susi Susanti and Joko Suprianto square off against Chinese opponents in today's singles finals of the 1997 Sanyo World Cup badminton championship.

Their success at the Among Rogo sports hall here yesterday was not shared by compatriots Sigit Budiarto and Candra Wijaya in the men's doubles. The world champions fell to Lee Dong-soo/Yoo Yong- sung of South Korea 15-8, 8-15, 12-15.

Susi defeated Gong Zhichao of China 13-10, 11-9 to set up the final clash with old rival Ye Zhaoying. Joko beat fellow Indonesian Indra Wijaya 15-13, 15-10 to meet Sun Jun.

Susi started out shakily and trailed 3-9 in the first game. But the 1992 Olympic gold medalist and defending champion here closed the gap by winning three consecutive points.

Gong reached 10-6 and needed only one more point for the game. She appeared disturbed when her smash was called out and her lapse in concentration allowed Susi to take the game.

The second game continued the see-saw pattern of the first., Susi won the first nine points before Gong clawed her way back to square. The Indonesian's experienced told as she took two points for the match.

"In the first game, my rallies were too slow and Gong could control the shuttle better," Susi said.

"In the second game, I was careless in letting her back into the game."

Susi's coach Liang Chiushia said her player had been uncharacteristically impatient. "Susi rushed herself to win in the second game and made unforced errors."

Ye beat young Indonesian hope Mia Audina 11-4, 5-11, 11-5.

Indosiar will air the finals live at 5:30 p.m.

Joko, 30, was too strong and experienced for giantkiller Indra Wijaya, who eliminated defending champion Dong Jiong of China in Friday's preliminary round.

Sun Jun beat Ong Ewe Hock of Malaysia 15-11, 15-1.

Sigit/Candra failed to continue on their title spree, blaming lack of preparation and their opponents' match strategy.

"After the Indonesian Open and the Singapore Open, we only had two weeks to prepare for the championship. Besides, I think the Koreans had studied our playing and anticipated," Candra said.

"In the third game at 12-12, when Sigit's smash hit the net, the Koreans gained confidence and played even better. And we became hesitant and careless."

Lee/Yong will challenge the 1996 Olympic gold medalists Ricky Subagja/Rexy Mainaky of Indonesia, who beat Malaysians Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah 15-12, 15-3.

In the women's doubles, Ge Fei/Gu Jun play Qin Yiyuan/Tan Yongshu in an all-Chinese final.

Both ousted Indonesian pairs for final spots. Ge/Gu beat second seeds Elysa/Zelin Resiana 15-9, 15-5, and Qin/Tang defeated Indarti Issoliana/Finarsih 15-4, 15-9.

In the mixed doubles, world champions Liu Yong/Ge Fei play Indonesia's Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur.

Liu/Ge beat Flandy Limpele/Risyeu Rosalina 12-15, 15-7, 15-2 and Tri/Minarti defeated compatriots Imam Tohari/Emma Ermawati 15-4, 15-3.

Results

Men's singles: Sun Jun (Chn) bt Ong Ewe Hock (Mal) 15-11, 15-1; Joko Suprianto (Ina) bt Indra Wijaya (Ina) 15-13, 15-10

Women's singles: Susi Susanti (Ina) bt Gong Zhichao (Chn) 13-10, 11-9; Ye Zhaoying (Chn) bt Mia Audina (Ina) 11-4, 5-11, 11-5

Men's doubles: Ricky Subagdja/Rexy Mainaky (Ina) bt Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah (Mal) 15-12, 15-3; Lee Dong-soo/Yoo Yong-sung (Kor) bt Sigit Budiarto/Candra Wijaya (Ina) 8-15, 15-8, 15-12

Women's doubles: Ge Fei/Gu Jun (Chn) bt Elysa/Zelin Resiana (Ina) 15-9, 15-5; Qin Yiyuan/Tan Yongshu (Chn) bt Indarti Issoliana/ Finarsih (Ina) 15-4, 15-9

Mixed doubles: Liu Yong/Ge Fei (Chn) bt Flandy Limpele/Risyeu Rosalina (Ina) 12-15, 15-7, 15-2; Tri Kusherjanto/Minarti Timur (Ina) bt Imam Tohari/Emma Ermawati (Ina) 15-4, 15-3