Taufik concerned over Hendrawan's ranking
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian world number two shuttler Taufik Hidayat expressed concern over compatriot Hendrawan's absence in the upcoming Japan Open championships early next month as it would severely affect the latter's world ranking.
Hendrawan, currently world number seven, was runner-up in last year's event. He will miss the five-star tournament from April 3 to April 8 as the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) was disappointed with his poor result in the All England early this month. He bowed out to eventual runner-up Chen Hong of China in the third round.
"Hendrawan will suffer a huge point reduction for his absence in the Japan Open. Being a finalist last year boosted his current world rank," the 19-year-old Taufik told reporters after a practice session on Tuesday at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.
"He will also suffer a major reduction from his participation in the 2000 Thomas Cup event. Being in the winning team gave another major boost to him."
Taufik managed to improve his rank from six to two, thanks to a semifinal result in the four-star Swiss Open after a disappointing third round defeat in the All England.
Peter Gade Christensen of Denmark remains on top while Marlev Mainaky is ranked eight.
"I am very grateful that the Swiss Open organizers invited me and Marlev as it really helped to boost my world rank. My rank would have surely dropped from sixth if I had not taken part in Swiss Open," said Taufik.
I'm sure Hendrawan will slump some 10 places with his absence in the Japan Open. It is such a pity."
Taufik also urged PBSI to overcome its shortage of funds.
PBSI is forced to cut down the numbers of tournaments abroad to be competed in by shuttlers due to its financial problems and has imposed a target-oriented policy for shuttlers wherein they are expected to win to be eligible for the next event.
"With limited funds shuttlers can only compete in a limited number of events. On the other hand PBSI always demands that we win. It is impossible for a shuttler, especially in the men's singles, to always win as the power is well distributed," said Taufik.
"PBSI must earn additional funds to enable shuttlers to compete in more events. We must also think of the youngsters who must get more international experience."
Taufik said this policy had prevented him and coach Mulyo from arranging a training program and target for 2001.
"Last year we knew which tournaments I would compete in. Therefore we could design a year-long program."
"But this year I have no idea which events I will compete in. It's very difficult to set a target. However, I have still set my sights on the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain, in May."
Separately, PBSI secretary general Leo Chandra Wiranata said the association would always evaluate shuttlers' results in tournaments.
"They don't have to always win every event. It's more important that they show improvement. We only have limited funds so shuttlers must use every chance to achieve good results."
Leo said PBSI would send second stringers to the Singapore Pools Asian Satellite from April 16 to April 22.
Indonesia will field men's singles Arief Rosidi, women's singles Atu Rosalina, men's doubles of Endra Mulyajaya and Ronne Rontulalu; and Ade Lukas and Andreas Setiawan, women's doubles Rossi Riani and Diah Novita; Enny Erlangga and Novita; and Eny Widowati and Atu, and mixed doubles Ronne and Eny; and Endra and Enny Erlangga. (nvn)