Team Indonesia's performance

Well, we are now in the semi-final stage and Indonesia has players in every discipline except for women's singles (which is rather expected). The men singles and doubles have performed to expectation so far. Hendra/Joko is clearly showing their potential to be another top doubles player and with their performance here, they should be within the top 25 next week. A semi-final appearance here already beats the expectation set by PBSI. Markis/Hendra will face two tough tests in Tan/Ong and later Jung/Lee (if things go according to seeds). Nothing less than a title here will be enough, even though its tough for them to beat Jung/Lee.

The mixed doubles pairing of Muhd Rizal/Endang Nursugianti (19/22) is slowly fulfilling its potential as the second pair after Nova/Lilyana. This is their first semi-final appearance after the runner-up spot at Taiwan Open 2004 late last year and a string of first round defeats at Singapore and Malaysia Open this year. They should also rise up to the top 30 next week.

What is perhaps the most surprising is the performance of the two women doubles pairs of Lita/Natalia and Jo/Gresya. Atik Jauhari already confessed (in Bola) that he has not set any expectation for both pairs given that they are relatively new pairings. Yet, both have performed well so far (esp Jo/Gresya) and are now in the semi-final. I am satisfied with their progress here, although another one or two surprises will definitely be welcomed Jo/Gresya has already upsetted two top 10 pairs in recent mths and they have another chance to beat the no 15-ranked Japanese pair today and hopefully another rematch against the no 4-ranked Lee/Lee in the final tomorrow.

Hendrawan would also be pleased with the performance of Firda and Nana in New Zealand Open and this Asian Championships. The fact that both forced the no 9 and 10-ranked Japanese players to three sets are clearly signs of progress under Hendrawan. Hopefully, this will continue in the Indonesia Open and another quarter-final appearance there will definitely be a bonus!

 

Exactly my sentiment too....Firda's victory at New Zealand and her subsequent win against the supposedly superior Apopat Porna will definitely boost her confidence in future tourney (esp when playing against top 10-20 players). She has shown that when playing against Kaori Mori. Nana also did her part by forcing Kanako to 3 sets....losing the third 7-11. I do hope they can get through to the main draw in Indonesia Open and at least a Round 1/16 appearance.

 

Considering the fact that the women's team is not expected to make any impression here (even with the absence of the Chinese players), yet, they managed to surprise and I am myself satisfied with their performance.

Sony should be able to take the title....but Markis/Hendra will have another tough game against the higher-ranked Jung/Lee. At least, they have not disappointed and beat Tan/Ong.

 

Well..well...Team Indonesia is the big winner in this year's Asian Championships. 2 titles for Indonesia and the rest is split between Hong Kong, Thailand, and Korea. Sony's win is kinda expected because he is technically more superior than all the other players. Markis/Hendra's win is good for them as they can show that they have the ability to match the other top-10 ranked young pair like Jung/Lee. Sony and Markis/Hendra are all 21 this year and should have a long future ahead of them. Lets hope they continue this good form in the Indonesia Open. With the absence of all Chinese players, I expect Sony to reach at least the semi-final. Markis/Hendra should be able to reach the quarter-final and depending on the draw, I hope they can go futher. An all-Indonesian final in these two disciplines will be likely....