Women shuttlers told to focus on SEA Games

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has dropped its top women's shuttlers from the national team bound for the JVC Asian Badminton Championships to be held later this week in Manila, saying the event could affect their preparations for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games next month.

"There will be just a one-week break between the Manila event and the SEA Games, which we believe is not sufficient for our women's shuttlers to recover," PBSI's training director Christian Hadinata told reporters on Monday.

"Besides, the SEA Games will use the old 15-point scoring system instead of the new 7-point system. The old system needs tougher physical fitness. That's why we have dropped most of our women's shuttlers from the Manila outing."

The women's shuttlers had earlier participated in at least three events, including the Indonesian Open, the 2000 World Grand Prix Final, and the Singapore Open.

Among the players to miss the Asian championships are Lidya Djaelawidjaya, Yuli Marfuah, Chindana Hartono and juniors Dewi Tira and Dian Novita Sari. Men's doubles player Endra Mulyajaya and women's doubles specialists Rossi Riani and Diah Novita have also been dropped.

PBSI has also withdrawn Indonesian Open winner Ellen Angelina from the team for the Manila event due to contractual problems.

PBSI has for 15 years signed a collective contract with Japan- based sports manufacturer Yonex, while Ellen, a former national shuttler, has just signed a contract with competitor Gosen, also from Japan. Another former national shuttler, Hariyanto Arbi, signed with Pro Ace.

"We had no choice but to take Ellen's name from the list. I hope she can understand the decision for the sake of the shuttlers who are currently being groomed in the training center," said Christian.

There are some 70 shuttlers at the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI). Based on the contract, Yonex covers most of the center's operational costs and shuttlers' traveling expenses abroad.

"I can understand Ellen's and Hariyanto's feelings, especially because I was also a player. But we must give priority to a greater cause, in this case the center and PBSI," he added.

Christian suggested that PBSI seek ways to avoid a clash of interests in the future.

"But it's not my cup of tea. I just hope for a solution that enables the former national shuttlers to continue their careers without damaging our contract."

Separately, PBSI secretary-general Leo Chandra Wiranata said PBSI would establish a team to discuss the issue with Yonex.

"One of the options is to set a time limit before a former national shuttler can sign his or her own contract. I think a six-month period would be feasible," he said. (nvn)