Women's shuttlers must win against Malaysia: Christian

By Primastuti Handayani

COPENHAGEN (JP): Indonesia's women's shuttlers have a chance to win three points in the first match against Malaysia in the Sudirman Cup Group A round-robin on Tuesday.

Deputy team manager Christian Hadinata said on Monday the women's shuttlers, who on paper were better than the Malaysians, must not be overwhelmed by the prospect.

"Our women's shuttlers sometimes think that having a big chance to win counts against them. It happened at the 1998 Asian Games (Asiad) where we lost to South Korea in the team event semifinals where we must win one of our women's doubles," he said.

At the Asiad, the double combinations of Elysa and Minarti Timur and Deyana Lomban and Indarti Issoliana lost to the Koreans. While key player Mia Audina and second singles Cindana also lost in the singles. Only Meiluawati won her match to give a 4-1 victory to the Koreans.

"We have told them... that they must win three matches, as they are the key points to win the semifinals," he said.

Christian said Indonesia's women's shuttlers must win three points against Malaysia in the women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.

"We must not lose one of the three events here. If we do, it will endanger our chances, as Malaysia is powerful in the men's singles and doubles."

Christian said the Indonesian team would field its best players against Malaysia to secure a semifinal berth.

Indonesia will likely field world number 11 Cindana in the women's singles, world number eight Hendrawan in the men's singles, Deyana and Indarti in the women's doubles, world number two Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian in the men's doubles and world number four Tri Kusherjanto and Minarti Timur in the mixed doubles.

Malaysia is to field world number 11 Yong Hock Kin in the men's singles, world ranked 38 Woon Sze Mei in the women's singles, world number six Cheah and Choong in the men's doubles, world number 31 Choor Hooi Yee and Ang Li Peng in the women's doubles and world ranked 26 Chan Choong Ming and Joanna Swee Ling Quay in the mixed duo.

Christian said Malaysia would not risk fielding the same players in the men's and mixed doubles.

"They can choose between Cheah Soon Kit or Chan Choong Ming, but will not force either of them to play both the men's and the mixed doubles."

The former doubles specialist said Malaysia would not be easy to beat, especially in a team event.

"They are very good and show solid teamwork, especially against their arch rival Indonesia. Their motivation will be boosted if they can win either the men's singles or doubles."

Group B

In Group B, South Korea is unlikely to have trouble eliminating Sweden in their meet.

The Korean players look set to win in the men's, women's and mixed doubles. Women's singles player, world number 16 Kim Ji- hyun, is also likely win one point for her country if she can overcome Marina Andrievskaya who is ranked 29 in the world.

Christian said Sweden men's singles Thomas Johansson, world number 22, might win over Ahn Jae-chang, ranked 37.

"Thomas can beat the Korean. He is very dangerous and experienced in international events."

Christian said if Sweden wanted to steal another point, it must come from the men's doubles of Peter Axelsson and Par-Gunnar Jonsson. World number 13 duo Axelsson and Jonsson will meet either the partnerships of Lee Dong-soo and Yoo Yong-sung, world number eight, or Kim Dong-moon and Ha Tae Kwon, world number 10.

"Although they only have a slight chance to beat the Korean doubles, they still can inflict trouble."

Sweden national team coach Atiek Djauhari agreed with the statement.

"The men's doubles are of significance, as we have a bigger chance compared to the women's and mixed doubles (events), but at least we have a chance," said the former Indonesian coach.