Indonesian badminton players take part in a training session in Nanning, China, on Thursday (16/5/2019), ahead of the Sudirman Cup mixed team badminton championship. The championship will take place from May 19 to May 26.
NANNING, KOMPAS — The Indonesian team never underestimated its opponents, even though on paper, it is superior to England and Denmark, two other teams in the 2019 Sudirman Cup 1B Group.
The "Red and White" badminton team needs to be vigilant in every match since the qualifying round of the world championship in Nanning, China, May 19-26. Otherwise, Indonesia could slip, like in 2017.
Two years ago, Indonesia was eliminated in the group qualifying round because it lost 1-4 to India in the first match. That placed Indonesia at the bottom of the group, despite a 3-2 win over Denmark.
The experience was a lesson for the Red and White team because in certain match categories, it was not entirely safe. This requires more effort from the players as well as a better strategy from their coach for the first match against England at the China Sports Center Stadium on Sunday (19/5/2019.
Looking at the world rankings, only in the mixed doubles did the British team have a chance to compare with Indonesia. Both countries have mixed doubles in the world\'s top 10. Hafiz Faizal/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja and Praveen Jordan/Melati Daeva Oktavianti are in the sixth and seventh place, followed by two British doubles, Chris/Gabrielle Adcock (eight) and Marcus Ellis/Lauren Smith (nine).
Hafiz/Gloria has twice met the Adcock duo with a 1-1 position.
"We have met and already know each other, keep trying to the best," Hafiz said before leaving for Nanning.
Mixed doubles coach Richard Mainaky said in Nanning that the players had prepared physically, mentally, technically and tactically. At present, they only need to maintain their physical fitness. Because the mixed doubles have the chance to play in the first match, Richard also prepared the player to play in the opening match. He said Britain could not be underestimated. The record of meeting Hafiz/Gloria, also Praveen/Melati, with Chris/Gabby was balanced.
"So, we need more motivation and also a strategy," he said.
In other categories, Indonesian players excel over British athletes. In men\'s singles, for example, Indonesia relies on Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (seventh place), Jonatan Christie (eight) or Shesar Hiren Rushtavito (41). The United Kingdom is represented by Toby Penty (65). Senior player Rajiv Ouseph (ranked 36th) is not on the list of English squad names.
"One might see, playing against England is easier than against Denmark, but in the men\'s singles, no one is unskilled. Whoever is the opponent, it will not be easy to deal with, "Anthony said before leaving for Nanning.
HUMAS PP PBSI
Indonesian badminton players take part in a training session in Nanning, China, on Thursday (16/5/2019), ahead of the Sudirman Cup mixed team badminton championship. The championship will take place from May 19 to May 26.
In addition to world rankings, experience also makes Indonesia more confident. As many as 13 of the 20 Indonesian players who left for Nanning are members of the 2017 Sudirman Cup team. This makes players more mature, including young players Apriyani Rahayu, 20, who are increasingly solid in playing with Greysia Polii in the women\'s doubles.
Apriyani said she continued to learn how to control herself so she would not be satisfied quickly. The 2017 Sudirman Cup was the tournament debut for doubles Greysia/Apriyani, and she feels she could look out and overcome nervousness before competing.
"Now I remember the situation in the past. I can do that again. I can show all the games," Apriyani said. "The difference from the past is that now I already have achievements, already know everything. Thus, I must be prepared to control the mind more.”
Apriyani knows not to underestimate her prospective opponent, British women\'s doubles team Chloe Birch/Lauren Smith.
Greysia/Apriyani 1-0 ahead of Birch/Smith.
"I played them at All England and won. Anyway, we prepare as much as possible, " she said.
HUMAS PP PBSI
Indonesian badminton players take part in a training session in Nanning, China, on Thursday (16/5/2019), ahead of the Sudirman Cup mixed team badminton championship. The championship will take place from May 19 to May 26
The mentality of not underestimating the opponent was also confirmed by Chef de Mission Achmad Budiharto.
"We are already familiar with the team championship and have never underestimated the team they face. Once missed, it will be difficult, because there are only three teams in one group and there are only two matches,” he said.
“If we mistakenly anticipate the opponent\'s condition and lose points, it is very detrimental.”
Budi is optimistic that Indonesia will perform better because there are no injured players and they are ranked higher than two years ago. (YES)
