Tri/Minarti remain until Sudirman Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Olympic silver medalists in badminton mixed doubles Tri Kusharjanto and Minarti Timur will continue their partnership only until the Sudirman Cup and World Championships in Seville, Spain, in May.

Starting from February, Tri will have a new partner Indarti Issoliana, women's doubles specialist, in a transition period before splitting forever with Minarti.

Coach Richard Mainaky told reporters Thursday during a visit at PT Samsung Electronics Indonesia factory in Cikarang, West Java, that he has planned to partner Tri and Lina in several Grand Prix series in February to give time for both players to adapt and start their partnerships.

"Up to now, we have to admit that there's no female shuttler whose skill can match Minarti in the mixed doubles. We have Zelin (Resiana) but she will also retire soon to have children."

Zelin, who partnered Bambang Suprianto, lost in the Olympic quarterfinals.

Tri and Minarti contributed a silver medal in the just- concluded Olympic Games in Sydney, losing to Chinese Zhang Jun and Gao Ling in the final.

Minarti said she would continue playing until May before resigning.

"I'll definitely play until the Sudirman Cup and World Championships with one condition ... if the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) still needs me," she said.

Tri said he and Minarti would likely join the Sudirman Cup squad as they remain the top pair in the country.

"Let's see which other woman player can compare with Minarti. I think Lina (Indarti's nickname) is one of the best we have. We'll see how well we play in several tournaments in February, including the Chinese Taipei Open," he said.

Lina is currently partnering Vita Marissa in the women's doubles. Therefore, she will have to concentrate on both events.

"I think it's good for her as she will improve her skills. I will also partner Bambang in the men's doubles," Tri said. (yan)