Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) Targets Two Doubles Titles at Indonesia Open 2014

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JAKARTA - Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) board is targeting two titles at Indonesia Open Super Series Premier 2014, June 17-22 at Istora Senayan Stadium, Jakarta. The two titles are in men's doubles and mixed doubles which are considered having good chances to achieve success.

Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) took last year's tournament as a lesson when Indonesia only won one title in men's doubles from Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan. Meanwhile, Indonesian top seed in mixed doubles Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir had to be satisfied being the runner-up.

Being asked about winning the title, Liliyana feels challenged. It is because playing alongside Tontowi, the badminton player with Butet as a nickname has not won any titles at home.

"I am still ambitious to win a title at home with Owi (Tontowi). We reached final twice. Why on earth we managed a hattrick at All England but not even a single title here at home?" Butet, the 2005 Indonesia Open champion with Nova Widianto, stated.

In 2012, Lilyana/Tontowi were defeated in the final by Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thoungthongkam. Last year, the world's number 2 doubles was defeated by the world's first rank doubles from China, Zhang Nan/Zhao Yun Lei at final.

Questioned about her home records, Butet has her own reason. "I am a bit distracted when playing at home since my family are here watching. Playing in other countries allows me to focus more as no one is there watching," Butet stated.

Meanwhile, PBSI's head of Kepala Bidang Pembinaan dan Prestasi (coaching and achievement) Rexy Mainaky said as for the men's doubles, Ryan Agung Saputra/Angga Pratama are also expected to win a title.

"They are already in the same level with Ahsan/Hendra. So I expect them to win a title," rexy said. For women's category, Rexy admits that the chance is rather flat due to recent china's dominance.

However, China's defeat from Japan in the Uber Cup's semifinal last month has proved that Li Xuerui and friends are not unbeatable.

"This should be a motivation. It is not impossible to beat China. Bellaetrix (Manuputty) who last year went to final is expected to achieve more this year. Greysia Polii/Nitya Krishinda also have the chance to qualify for final." Rexy explained.

Besides aiming at titles, PBSI is also determined to maintain its own title as the best international tournament organizer from BWF since Indonesia Open 2012. Indonesia Open 2014's chief organizer Anton Subowo told reporters that he wants to keep the honor. "There are only 5 countries that are given chances to hold the super series premier tournament; Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, China, and England. We don't want to lose it," Anton said.