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)