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)