Three RI men's shuttlers advance at Malaysia Open
Three RI men's shuttlers advance at Malaysia Open
JAKARTA (JP): Three out of six Indonesian men's singles
shuttlers reached the second round of the US$120,000 Malaysia
Open on Wednesday, which is using the newly introduced best-of-
five-games-in-seven-points scoring system.
World champion Hendrawan, who has been doubtful about his
chances in the four-star event based on the new system, survived
the first round test by overcoming Malaysian Saman Ismail 8-6, 7-
2, 7-1.
Third seed in the event Hendrawan will meet the winner between
Tam Kai Chuen of Hong Kong and Colin Haughton of England.
Compatriot Rony Agustinus managed to eliminate dark horse Park
Tae-sang of South Korea 7-0, 7-2, 7-4 to set up an encounter with
Shoji Sato of Japan, who had a bye with the last minute
withdrawal of Olympics champion Ji Xinpeng of China.
Johan Hadikusuma crushed qualifier Allan Tai of Malaysia 7-4,
7-5, 7-4 to meet the winner between Malaysian Wong Choon Hann and
Bonsaak Polsana of Thailand.
Former world champion Hariyanto Arbi, who had to struggle in
the qualifiers on Tuesday, secured his place in the second round
after upsetting 12th seed Lee Tsuen Seng of Malaysia 7-5, 7-5, 7-
1.
Budi Santoso failed to overcome host Muhammad Hazif Hashim,
going down 7-4, 5-7, 3-7, 4-7. Junior Arief Rasidi bowed out 4-7,
2-7, 3-7 to Chinese new name Cai Yun while Wimpie Mawardi had a
tough game against host Jason Wong before being beaten 4-7, 8-6,
7-4, 5-7, 7-1.
None of the Indonesian shuttlers have ever played using the
new scoring system. Only defending champion Taufik Hidayat, who
pulled out of the event due to an injury suffered during the
World Championships in Seville, Spain, and Marlev Mainaky tried
the system at the Swiss Open earlier this year.
Indonesia's top women's shuttler Lidya Djaelawidjaja defeated
host player Wong Miew Kheng 7-1, 5-7, 7-0, 7-2, while second tier
player Atu Rosalina beat China's Wang Rong 7-3, 8-6, 7-2. Atu
will most probably meet third seed Wang Chen of Hong Kong in the
second round.
Yuli Marfuah had to work hard before winning over BR Meenakshi
of India 7-1, 7-8, 7-5, 6-8, 7-3 to challenge world champion Gong
Ruina of China in the next round. Ellen Angelina, who quit the
badminton center earlier this year, defeated Li Li of Singapore
8-6, 7-2, 7-0 to challenge top seed Zhou Mi of China.
Separately, Taufik will also reportedly pull out of next
week's Indonesia Open as he has yet to recover from his injury.
"Taufik is not ready for the event because he has yet to
recover from his injuries. We can't force him to take part in the
event," badminton training director Christian Hadinata was quoted
as saying by Antara.
Taufik said he had a clot in his knee and was ordered by his
orthopedist to take three-week rest.
"I can only do light exercises because the clot causes pain in
my knee," Taufik told Antara.
The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)'s Leo Chandra
Wiranata said 116 men's singles shuttlers would participate in
the $170,000 Indonesian Open.
"The competition will be very tough as there are only 56
places in the main draw. The remaining 60 shuttlers will have to
fight for eight places through qualification."
"Top junior and veteran shuttlers will have to fight for their
place's in the main draw."
The juniors include China's Lin Dan and Bao Chunlai and the
host's Asian junior champion Ardiansyah and runner-up Sony Dwi
Kuncoro. Hariyanto will also have to pass the qualifier. (nvn)