The Indonesian Badminton Association on Friday ended the suspense and announced its final Thomas and Uber Cup squads. Making only minor changes, the association (PBSI) changed four names from the squad that guided Indonesia through the qualifying rounds in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, last month.
Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka and Linda Weni Fanetri were drafted in as singles shuttlers. Dionysius replaced Tommy Sugiarto as the No. 4 singles player, while Linda took Aprilia Wulandari’s spot in women’s singles.
“Hayom showed better performances and had a higher world ranking than Tommy after the qualifying was over,” national team head coach Christian Hadinata told the Jakarta Globe.
He said Linda did as well, even though she lost in the first round of the Asian Championship in New Delhi last week. Aprilia lost in qualifying. The rest of the squad nearly picked itself. Taufik Hidayat assumed the No. 1 men’s singles role, with Sony Dwi Kuncoro at No. 2 and Simon Santoso at No. 3.
“I’m sure I can play more calmly in a high-tension match in my fourth Thomas Cup. It will be because of my experience,” Simon said.
On the women’s side, Maria Febe Kusumastuti overhauled Adriyanti Firdasari and claimed the No. 1 role by virtue of her superior ranking. Adriyanti dropped into the No. 2 spot, with Maria Kristin Yulianti at No. 3.
Indonesia’s doubles squads also saw minor tweaks. The PBSI dropped Rian Sukmawan and Yonathan Suryatama Dasuki, instead giving places on the Thomas Cup squad to Hendra Aprida Gunawan and Nova Widianto.
“They were chosen for their experience and their world ranking. We need experienced players who can overcome pressure during the finals,” Christian said.
Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan held on to their No. 1 men’s doubles spot, while Hendra Aprida was paired with partner Alvent Yulianto Chandra at No. 2.
Nova hopes he can repeat his regional success with Mohammad Ahsan on the world stage. The duo made a telling contribution as Indonesia beat Malaysia 3-2 to win the men’s team event at the 2009 Southeast Asian Games.
“It is an honor for me to play alongside Nova. He has shown his capacity as a senior player during our performance in Laos. He was able to lead me though we had not practiced together before. I hope we can do better this time,” Ahsan said.
Thomas Cup
Singles: Taufik Hidayat, Sony Dwi Kuncoro, Simon Santoso, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka
Doubles: Markis Kido, Hendra Setiawan, Hendra Aprida Gunawan, Alvent Yulianto Chandra, Nova Widianto, Mohammad Ahsan
Uber Cup
Singles: Maria Febe Kusumastuti, Adriyanti Firdasari, Maria Kristin Yulianti, Linda Weni Fanetri
Doubles: Greysia Polii, Meiliana Jauhari, Nitya Krishinda Maheswari, Shendy Puspa Irawati, Liliyana Natsir, Anneke Feinya Agustine.
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