Taufik has no special prepration for Seville

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's world number three men's singles Taufik Hidayat shocked the sports world here on Monday by saying he did not make any special preparations for the upcoming World Badminton Championships in Seville, Spain, next month.

"I realize that the World Championships is as prestigious as the Olympics and I really want to win the title. But compared to 1999's event, I haven't prepared myself well. I don't feel the enthusiasm. I feel that something's bothering me inside," he said after a training session at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

"But I have promised myself that I'll get back on my feet again after the championships. I'll think of my future and how I can reach my goals. I want to repair my six months of disarray.

"I still have lots of dreams that I haven't reached, including winning the All England. I'm really obsessed with that."

The World Championships will take place at San Pablo Stadium in Seville, Spain, from June 4 to June 10. It was preceded by the Sudirman Cup mixed team event.

Speaking on his goals, Taufik said: "I don't have any target. I just want to go one step at a time. I want to think about every single match. As for my coach, he didn't get me to target anything."

Taufik -- who stole the show after he reached the All England final in 1999 -- has yet to show his best form this year.

A hero at the 2000 Thomas Cup final in Kuala Lumpur, Taufik slipped at the Sydney Olympics by only reaching the third round. He made it up by winning the Asian Badminton Championships in November.

Unfortunately, he launched verbal attacks at PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, urging the retired general to step down from the top post.

Since then, Taufik's star is not as bright as it was before. PBSI's early decision to discontinue coach Mulyo Handoyo's contract had a big influence on Taufik's performance in this year's series opener at the Korea Open.

He also missed his opportunity to win the All England.

In the recently concluded Asia Cup, he failed to show off his best shots.

"At the age of 19, I am carrying too heavy a burden on my shoulders. If I fail, people will always link it with my personal life. I can't take it anymore.

"However, I am optimistic that there is still a chance at becoming a world champion. I'm not pessimistic on that."

Taufik, who is also among the players being prepared for the Sudirman Cup, criticized PBSI's preparation for the major event.

"Compared to last year's Thomas Cup, as a player, I don't see any togetherness within the team. It's completely different than last year when officials were willing to mingle and talk to us."

Indonesia's team manager Sumaryono -- who is being detained on charges of masterminding a counterfeit money ring in Surabaya -- successfully helped the Thomas Cup team win the trophy 12 times. (yan)