China vows to retain Thomas, Uber Cups

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 05/10/2008 10:34 AM  |  Sports

LOOKING TO WIN: Sutiyoso, the chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association, watches players train at the Bung Karno sports hall for the Thomas and Uber Cup tournament which begins Sunday. (JP/P.J. Leo)Badminton heavyweight China vows to retain supremacy in the Thomas and Uber Cups -- the world's most prestigious men's and women's badminton team championships respectively.

Competition for the two cups is set to begin Sunday in Jakarta.

China has successfully defended the Uber Cup for 10 years and the Thomas Cup for four years.

"I hope both trophies can stay in our country a bit longer," China's head coach Li Yongbo told journalists at Hotel Sultan on Friday.

Other countries such as Indonesia, Denmark, South Korea and Malaysia stand a good chance to win the cups, he said.

"Each country must fight hard to win this tournament," he said.

He said Indonesia had a good new men's doubles team in Candra Wijaya and Nova Widiyanto.

"They played well at the Asian Championship and they have a lot of experience," he said.

The world No. 1 singles player Lin Dan said he would fight hard in the competition.

"I don't mind playing against Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Taufik Hidayat," he said about Indonesia's first and second singles players..

Sony is skillfully better than Taufik, he said, "But Taufik has more experience."

Meanwhile, Indonesia is confident its players are physically fit for the demanding week-long comeptition at the Bung Karno sports hall.

Physical fitness has improved after an almost two-month intensive training regime under Jason Kurfurst of Australia, said Uber Cup team coach Aryono Miranat on Friday.

"The National Sports Council (KONI) has helped by assigning Kurfurst to train our players," he said.

"Kurfurst has set players specific training schedules to improve their physical condition," he said.

Sutiyoso, chairman of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), said the association had been preparing players for the Uber and Thomas Cup tournament since last year.

"After evaluating performance we concluded most players were weak on physical endurance," he told journalists during the training session.

He added that Kurfurst trained players methodically by monitoring comprehensive data on their progress.

"I hope our players can win the Uber Cup at home, or at least, can get to the semifinals," he said.

Indonesia is taking on the Netherlands on Monday and Japan on Tuesday in Group Z.

Indonesia is desperate to win its first Uber Cup trophy since 1996. The Netherlands, backed by top player Mia Audina, reached the finals in 2006.

Japan is looking for its first win since 1980.

Jo Novita, who pairs with Greysia Polii, expects tough opposition from both opponents.

"I am not too familiar with Japanese players' strengths, but they must be tough to beat," the 27-year-old shuttler said.

She said she was ready for the matches although they were likely to be very physically demanding.

"There's a 50-50 chance for us to win the game," she said. "Greysia and I will focus on keeping it together. If we lose the match, it will discourage the whole team." (ewd)

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