Taufik queries Sudirman Cup simulation plan
JAKARTA (JP): World number two Taufik Hidayat questioned on Wednesday the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)'s scheduling of a Sudirman Cup simulation on Friday, saying it was too close to the just-concluded Asia Cup.
"I think it would be better if the simulation took place next week when players have had enough rest after competing in the Asia Cup. We just arrived from Singapore and we need a break," he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday from Bandung.
"If I perform below my standard on Friday, people will say many things behind my back."
The simulation will be held at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta. Taufik is scheduled to face Rony Agustinus in the first men's singles, followed by Hendrawan taking on Budi Santoso.
Taufik also objected to having to play against Rony during the simulation. "Why has PBSI scheduled me to face Rony? They know that I always lose to Rony during practice ... It's completely different if I have to face him in a competition like the final of the Asian Badminton Championships last year .... Well, let's just see what happen tomorrow."
Taufik has been dogged by controversy recently, the most recent incident occurring last week when he was quoted by AFP as saying he was considering leaving the country because his coach Mulyo Handoyo's contract would be terminated after the World Championships.
The 19-year-old shuttler denied ever making such a statement, but PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo had replied saying that Taufik would be allowed to leave the badminton center if he wished.
Training director Christian Hadinata said the association had prepared a back-up plan for the simulation in case Taufik chose not to take part. If Taufik misses the event on Friday, Hendrawan will meet Johan Hadikusuma while Rony will face Budi.
Taufik was in Bandung after returning from Singapore before coming back to the center late Wednesday.
Meanwhile, world number 11 Hendrawan has recovered from a slight eye injury he suffered against Chen Yu of China in last week's Asia Cup semifinals, which Indonesia lost 2-1. China went on to win the event.
"Nothing is wrong with my eye. I am playing good now. I have improved and am playing much better than I did in the All England in March," Hendrawan told the Post.
"As for the Sudirman Cup, I have told PBSI officials that I will play because I see our doubles players are very eager to bring home the trophy.
"I know that PBSI also expects me to win the World Championships title but I'll see how far can I go."
The Sudirman Cup will take place from May 28 to June 3 at San Pablo Stadium in Seville, Spain. The World Championships will be played from June 4 to June 10 in the same venue.
The simulation will see Yuli Marfuah face Lidya Djaelawidjaja in the women's singles, Tony Gunawan and Halim Heryanto take on Candra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto in the men's doubles and Deyana Lomban and Indarti Issoliana play Vita Marissa and Etty Tantri in the women's doubles.
In the mixed doubles, PBSI has arranged two matches: Bambang Suprianto and Minarti Timur against Tri Kusheryanto and Indarti, and Nova Widianto and Vita against Agung Wahyu and Emma Ermawati. (yan)