Young players to shine in Uber Cup: PBSI

JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)'s training director, Christian Hadinata, expressed hope junior shuttlers Yuli Marfuah and Niniek Masrikah would show their quality at the Uber Cup semifinals in New Delhi next week.

"Both Yuli and Niniek must prove their skills in their debut. They may have less experience than their opponents, but they should take advantage of this by surprising their opponents," he said on Wednesday during a telephone interview.

Indonesia will send Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Ellen Angelina, Yuli and Niniek to compete in the Uber Cup singles matches. Yuli is a last-minute replacement for Cindana Hartono, who injured her left calf during a training session on Feb. 4.

PBSI sent a letter to the International Badminton Federation on Tuesday informing them of the substitution.

Indonesia will also be represented by the doubles teams of Elysa Nathanael and Deyana Lomban, Etty Tantri and Cynthia Tuwankotta, and Indarti Issolina and Carmelita.

"This year we no longer have Susy Susanti, Mia Audina and Cindana. But this fact must motivate the whole team to prove that they are equal to the veteran players," said Christian, who is also team manager for the Feb. 13 to Feb. 20 event.

"Lidya and Ellen already have experience in the Uber Cup and Grand Prix series. They have the skill. They only need to motivate themselves and raise their self-confidence.

"Our three doubles teams also have enough skill and experience in international events. We can rely on them," he said.

Indonesia, the top seed in the semifinal round of the Uber Cup, is in the same group as Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and either Australia, Singapore or Pakistan.

Japan is the top seed in the other group, which also includes South Korea, Thailand and either India, Zambia or Sri Lanka.

The three top teams from the Asian and European zones will compete in the Uber Cup finals in Kuala Lumpur in May. The six teams will be joined by defending champion China and host Malaysia.

Christian expressed his optimism that Indonesia would reach the finals. "It would be a shame if we can't qualify as one of the top three countries in the semifinal round." (yan)