Taufik's withdrawal his own decision: Coach
Taufik's withdrawal his own decision: Coach
JAKARTA (JP): The training director at the Indonesian
Badminton Center, Christian Hadinata, said world number three
Taufik Hidayat decided on his own to withdraw from the US$120,000
Malaysian Open, starting on Monday.
"It was not the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) that
decided to withdraw him. Taufik felt that his preparation was not
sufficient for such an important event.
"Moreover, Taufik is still recovering from right knee and
hamstring injuries. That is why the letter of withdrawal was
signed by our medical consultant Dr. Michael Triangto," he said
on the sidelines of a ceremony to present Rp 350 million
($30,400) in bonuses to Indonesia's world champions and coaches
at the Bung Karno Badminton Hall here on Saturday.
Christian said he supported Taufik's decision, adding that
shuttlers were the best judges of their own fitness.
"I always tell coaches and shuttlers that their participation
in any event really depends on their own preparation. Even good
preparation cannot guarantee good results, let alone poor
preparation.
"But many shuttlers take my advice wrong and say they will go
(to an event) at their own expense. And many of them lose due to
poor preparation.
"It is such a shame if a player then says his or her failure
was due to a lack of preparation. It is better to prepare for
future events rather than forcing their will," he said.
Christian also said it was impossible to expect any shuttler
to win every event. PBSI expects three titles in Malaysia, in the
men's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles.
"But we cannot force them to win. Our shuttlers reached their
peak performance in Seville (at the World Championships) and it
will be difficult to win the titles in Malaysia.
"Take Pullela Gopichand of India as an example. He still needs
time to recover after his performance at the All England, where
he won the men's singles title," he said.
Taufik's new coach Agus Dwi Santoso said he had yet to
communicate with the shuttler, who was still refusing to join him
for training.
"I have yet to talk with him since PBSI decided to terminate
the contract of Mulyo Handoyo (Taufik's previous coach). But I
will keep trying, and it also depends on Taufik himself.
"Taufik is indeed a very talented shuttler, even more talented
than Hendrawan. I am ready to help him improve his performance
and achievements. It will be a shame if such a talent is wasted,"
he said.
As for the bonuses, men's singles world champion Hendrawan
received Rp 98 million and men's doubles champions Tony Gunawan
and Halim Heryanto received Rp 73.5 million each.
Christian pocketed Rp 26.25 million, Agus and men's doubles
coach Herry Imam Pierngadi received Rp 31.5 million each.
Physical trainer Paulus Pasurnay was given Rp 15.75 million.
The bonuses were provided by sponsors Gudang Garam, HM
Sampoerna and Djarum. PBSI's main sponsor, sports manufacturer
Yonex, will present a $45,000 bonus to Hendrawan and $30,000 to
Tony and Halim. (nvn)