Women's shuttlers may miss Olympics

SEMARANG (JP): Indonesia may not be competing in the Olympic Games women's badminton events in Sydney in September if national shuttlers fail to crack the top 12 in the world rankings in the remaining three championships: the All England, Swedish Open and Japan Open.

"I'm really worried none of the Indonesian women's singles will reach the top 12. Today only Cindana Hartono is in the world's top 12. Other shuttlers are ranked below her," said the secretary of the Badminton Association of Indonesia's scout team, Syaiful Arisanto, on Wednesday.

Lydia Djaelawidjaja is ranked 16th in the world while Ellen Angelina is ranked 23rd.

"National shuttlers must make use of their opportunities in the three tournaments to improve their world rankings, but they will face a tough challenge from China and South Korea," Arisanto said.

The Swedish Open will take place from March 1 to March 5, followed by the All England from March 7 to March 12 and the Japan Open from April 5 to April 9. (har)