Denmark no dummies, warns Indonesia badminton manager Utusan Online JAKARTA May 13 - Indonesia's badminton team manager has warned his men face a tough task in turning over second seeds Denmark for a chance to extend their 10-year hold on the Thomas Cup trophy. Speaking after Indonesia's quarter-final triumph over arch-rivals Malaysia, Christian Hadinata said the Danes were a balanced team with strong players throughout. ``Denmark have balance and quality in all players, doubles and singles, so we are just going to tell our players to do our best,'' Hadinata said. ``We played well today but we are still expecting more improvement. But we are still hoping that the players can give their best in the next game,'' he added. Top Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro overcame a nervous start to triumph in three games over world number three Wong Choon Hann, but the deafening cheers turned to boos when doubles pair Luluk Hadiyanto and Alven Yulianto were dismissed 15-12, 15-6 by Lee Wan Wah and Choong Tan Fuk. Young maestro Taufik Hidayat - reported to the police this week after an apparent road-rage incident - fed from an ecstatic reception to dominate M. Roslin Hashim 15-10, 15-2. The quarter-final late on Wednesday was settled by edgy doubles duo Flandy Limpele and Eng Hian, who needed three games to put away Koo Kien Keat and Chew Choon Eng. Assistant team coach Sandiarto said Indonesia hinted that the unconvincing Hadiyanto and Yulianto pairing may be scrapped for Friday's semi-final. ``Our first doubles is playing not too well so we will evaluate that and we will improve on our strategy,'' Sandiarto said. Indonesia's bid for a fifth straight title in the men's badminton showpiece was dealt a heavy blow on Monday when they were hammered 5-0 by a rampant Chinese line-up. China, through to the semis without dropping a game, also saw their women's team cruise through to the last four of the concurrent Uber Cup where they will play Japan in the semi-finals later on Thursday. Head coach Li Yongbo said he agreed with most predictions that China's women would stroll to their fourth consecutive Uber Cup title. ``For the Uber Cup I predict the same as everybody but for the men's cup I believe all the top teams have the same chance,'' he said. Denmark and South Korea will play for the other Uber Cup final spot later on Thursday. The Thomas Cup semis - Indonesia against Denmark and China against South Korea - are on Friday. - AFP
