Veteran referee in charge, fans come in from the rain
KEEPING THE PEACE: There have been no ruffled egos and tantrums during the first two days of the Djarum Indonesia Open.
Deputy referee of the organizing committee, Julius Tetelepta, a familiar face on the international badminton circuit, makes his rounds every day to see that everything is running smoothly.
"We have not received any protests for the time being. All shuttlers show their sportsmanship in competition, and that also includes the umpires and linesmen," the Indonesian said.
The 64 year old, who started his career as an umpire in 1963 in Makassar, has not missed an Indonesia Open since the tournament began in 1982.
LOYAL FANS: Rain drenched the Central Jakarta area on Thursday, but diehard fans were not about to let a bit of water keep them from coming out for the action.
Five courts inside Istora Senayan sports hall were in use, with fans cheering on their favorites.
" I don't like watching a badminton tourney on TV, I like to see it for real to vent my feelings," said Ayub Afifudin, who came all the way from Ancol, North Jakarta.
Tempuh Wijayanti, 16, and a group of friends came out on both opening days, with plans to watch through Sunday's finals.
"We've been planning this for days. After school we come here by public bus," said Tempuh.
Ayub's day was made when doubles player Sigit Budiarto agreed to pose for a photo with him.
Except for the loyal fans, the stands have been sparsely filled, which may have something to do with the absence of the game's powerhouse China.
Another blow to organizers was the late afternoon upset of Taufik Hidayat by Simon Santoso on Wednesday. The temperamental World and Olympic champion is always sure to bring in the crowds.
NOT IN USE: Room Cempaka 3 is a quiet space amid the hubbub in the sports hall. It's the press conference room, but its rows of seats have not been disturbed.
Reporters looking for a quote from the top players prefer to catch them directly on court or as they prepare to leave the hall.
The easy accessibility to the players is in contrast to other sports, including tennis, where tour minders keep the media at arm's length.
"I like the rules for tennis," one local journalist said last week during the Wismilak International tennis tournament in Bali. "How can badminton become professional when we can just barge in on training sessions whenever we like? (004)