Taufik Hidayat's victory

Taufik Hidayat's victory

Indonesian top shuttler Taufik Hidayat saved Indonesia's face
in badminton by winning the Indonesia Open, after outplaying
first seed Chen Hong 15-9, 15-9 at the final on Sunday in Batam.

Taufik's victory was very special, not only because he managed
to tame the Chinese player, but also because he retained the
Indonesia Open title for the fourth time, (1999, 2000 and 2002
and this year).

Speaking to reporters after the tournament, Taufik said he
wanted to beat Ardy B Wiranata's record -- former Indonesian
champion -- of retaining the same title five times. Taufik's
ambition is commendable, an athlete must set targets to improve
their performance.

Badminton legend Rudy Hartono, also of Indonesia, always aimed
to win the All England. Thus, he consistently did his best to
prepare for the world tournament. No wonder, that with this
spirit of determination, Rudy won the All England eight times.

In other championships Rudy was also determined, but if his
opponent was better then him, he just accepted the loss.

Taufik Hidayat is dubbed a 'naughty' boy due to his outspoken
criticism of the national badminton organization (PBSI). Some say
he is 'notorious' in his lack of discipline -- he loves clubbing
and apparently, has several girlfriends.

Compared to Rudy or Ardy, Taufik is sometimes said to be not a
"real athlete". However, Taufik is just a reflection of our
society. He is a clear illustration of how the young view sports.
This is a new paradigm which PBSI should be aware of.

Taufik will play his best, with dignity, with professionalism;
but not for his home town or country. His plan -- to move to
Singapore some time ago -- proves this.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta

;;
ANPAk..r..
Otherop--shipyard-business
On shipyards
JP/6/Ship

On shipyards

The closing of the Van der Giessen De Noord shipyard is a bad
business.

Not only is it bad for the 400 people who will lose their
jobs, but also bad for the Netherlands: a piece of history and
expertise will be lost.

The shipyard ran into financial problems in part because of
competition from countries that pay their workers less. That's a
market force that the ship building industry can't escape.

Worse is the accusation that other countries - especially
other countries in Europe - unfairly subsidize their shipyards.

The European Union should investigate this charge.

-- De Telegraaf, Amsterdam, Netherlands

GetANT 1.20 -- AUG 29, 2003 11:22:21