Taufik injury may hamper RI at Asia Cup
Taufik injury may hamper RI at Asia Cup
JAKARTA (JP): National top shuttlers are aiming to achieve a
hat trick by winning the US$170,000 Asia Cup men's team
championship for the third consecutive time, while at the same
time warming themselves up for next month's World Championships.
However, their ambition is in jeopardy as world number three
Taufik Hidayat injured his right knee during practice a week ago
and has yet to recover.
"During the last six days, I have only been able to train for
20 to 30 minutes per session though I am fit enough to play a
whole game starting today," Taufik said after training at the
Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, on Friday.
Taufik tore muscles in his right knee and still has to use a
sports wrap during training.
"I still have some time to recover from the injury because I
really want to help Indonesia score a hat trick at the Asia Cup
and I also want to perform well at the World Championships."
The Asia Cup will feature two singles and one doubles match.
Indonesia will field Taufik, world number 10 Hendrawan and
Japan Open winners Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto in the Asia
Cup which will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from
May 2 to May 6.
The country has been widely tipped to retain the title for the
third consecutive year despite the presence of other Asian
badminton powerhouses China, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong,
India, Japan, and host Singapore.
The draw is due to take place on 27 April.
The $80,000 winning team prize money is very desirable for
shuttlers in Asia although the event itself is excluded from the
International Badminton Federation Grand Prix series.
Coach Agus Dwi Santoso said, despite mounting motivation to
pocket a hat trick, shuttlers were very eager to bring home the
money.
"The big prize money helps shuttlers motivate themselves in
retaining the title."
Training director, Christian Hadinata, said the reason to
field the best shuttlers at the event was not only to win the hat
trick but, more importantly, to prepare them for the World
Championships.
"Some big names in Asia have confirmed their participation at
the Asia Cup and it will be a tough competition. Our shuttlers
must defend the title and, at the same time, observe their future
rivals' strength."
China will field world number four Chen Hong, young talent
Xiao Hui and doubles Zhang Jun and Zhang Wei. Korea will be
represented by Lee Hyun-il, Shon Seung-mo, doubles Yoo Yong-sung
and Lee Dong-soo and substitute Chung Jae-sung.
Malaysia will participate without Japan Open winner Roslin
Hashim but will still have Wong Choon Hann, Ong Ewe Hock, Yong
Hock Kin, Chan Chong Ming and Chew Choon Eng in its squad.
All England winner Pullela Gopichand will lead India's team
along with Abhinn Shyam Gupta, Jaseel Ismail and Vincent Lobo.
Olympics silver medalist Hendrawan said he needed to compete
at the Asia Cup to strengthen his performance.
"After the Olympics, I lost my grip and I need a tough
tournament to test my skills. The Asia Cup has some big names and
it's really good for me. It's very important to gear up for the
World Championships as my coach has targeted me to become a
winner."
Sigit said that, despite his victory at the Japan Open, he has
yet to reach the top form he achieved in 1997.
"I know very well that I can be world number one again with
Candra as I have yet to reach peak form. The Asia Cup will be a
good event to see how far I can go before competing at the World
Championships," said Sigit, who won the latter tournament in
1997. (nvn/yan)