Simon failed to meet the tough target being set for him to reach SF at 2 opening SS of 2014.
He will be booted out as the implication.
Tough decision for PBSI.
However, due to our probably not knowing of the complete story, I think from fairness point of view, this seems not right.
1. Simon's achievement before long illness and injury was decent, but remarkably better than other MS.
2. Simon's level is still slightly higher than Hayom, Tommy (looking the result of INA GPG 2013, he defeated Tommy and demolished Hayom).
3. With the right treatment, plan, and attitude, Simon can still make a comeback like SDK did after injury. Remember, SDK didn't come back instantly, took him some time as well.
4. If age is the consideration, then PBSI must consider potential level of our young MS like Wisnu, Riyanto was far from Simon's potential (and even achievements) when Simon was at their age. Even when compared to Hayom and Tommy, young Simon did and achieved better.
5. With current trend, I doubt Wisnu, Riyanto, to reach Simon's level.
6. Meanwhile, other younger MS like Ihsan, Jo Christ will be struggling to reach what Simon achieved at age of 19.
7. Simon is still 'only' 28 (born July 29, 1985). Not that old.
I rather choose to boot out Wisnu (limited potential) and Riyanto (no progress albeit has talent), so PBSI can focus on youngster like Jo Christ, Ihsan, and maintain INA's expectation from seniors (Sony, Simon, Tommy, Hayom) for Sudirman cup, Thomas cup and to keep INA at relatively competitive level for other country (KOR, MAS, THA, IND, DEN, TPE), and challenge CHN.
However, we again didn't know the complete story, which many questions remained unanswered:
1. Why Simon recovery is really-really slow.
a. Is it due to Simon's attitude that not trying hard enough?
He was at illness and recovered too long.
2. Simon was hampered by illness several times, is it normal? I doubt it. ANy food discipline issue?
3. Simon was injury prone as well. How come?
4. Simon was known as relatively weak mentality. If you noticed, whenever games stretched him to rubber, he was likely to lose. Especially when he won first set, lose the second.
5. etc, etc which mostly relate to Simon's health, fitness which is not at top standard for an athlete that expected to be world top level.
But, it is also PBSI failure to solve that kinda classic INA problems. Simply giving ultimatum which is mission impossible for Simon and then boot him out is seemed not a good decision short term and long term.
Anyway, good luck for Simon, I always like his game when he is in form. So, at age of 28 now, Simon still has a chance to challenge top world MS if he manage his pro career wisely.
Good luck for PBSI as well.