Taufik to compete in Indonesia Open
JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Taufik Hidayat has confirmed his participation in the Sanyo Indonesia Open, which starts on Wednesday, after previous reports that he might withdraw due to a back injury.
Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Monday evening before training at the tournament's venue, the Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium, Taufik said he and the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) official doctor Michael Triangto had met orthopedic specialist Dr. Chaehab.
"Dr. Chaehab said I can compete in the event but I must be very careful with my movement during games. I still feel the pain but it's not a big deal," he said.
Taufik said he wanted to retain his title in the five-star tournament despite his injury.
"Of course I want to retain my title. Just wait and see my performance at the event," said the world number seven.
Taufik, seeded third in the tournament, is scheduled to face Malaysian Saman Ismail in the first round on Wednesday. The 18- year-old Indonesian defeated Budi Santoso in last year's final in Bali.
On Saturday, Taufik said he aimed to compete in the Indonesia and Malaysia opens to bring his world ranking into the top four prior to the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.
PBSI official in charge of athletes development Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar said that he had received a report from the medical team saying that Taufik was fit to play.
"The medical report said it would not be a problem should Taufik compete in the Indonesia Open as long as he uses a waist support," he said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian team have complained about the draw for the qualifying round of the tournament, which shows Malaysian Hafiz Muhamad Hashim as having a bye on the first day of qualification having lost in a walk over as he failed to show up for his match against Haryawan of Indonesia.
"We didn't recheck the draw after our arrival here. We just stayed in our room. But we got information saying that Hafiz had lost in a walk over," said coach Djaelani Sidek, as quoted by Antara.
PBSI secretary general Leo Chandra Wiranata said a mistake had been made by officials.
"Hafiz did not lose as Haryawan withdrew from the tournament. It's our mistake," he told the Post.
Sidek said the Malaysian team's main aim in the tournament was to improve its motivation and confidence after it had failed to reach the semifinals of the Thomas Cup in Kuala Lumpur in May.
"We will try to boost their motivation and self-confidence and also try to win a title in the event," he said, adding that Indonesia remains the toughest challenge as China did not send its best squad. (yan)