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)