Taufik concerned over Hendrawan's ranking

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)