Dutch Uber team to protest to BWF over rescheduling

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 05/09/2008 9:38 AM  |  Sports

The Netherlands Uber Cup team says it will protest the rescheduling of women's team badminton championship matches to the World Badminton Federation (BWF).

The Uber Cup's new schedule, which begins Sunday at the Bung Karno Sports Hall in Jakarta, means the Netherlands are required to play twice on Monday against Group Z teams Indonesia and Japan.

BWF amended the schedule to accommodate the Indonesian team. Indonesia objected to the initial timetable as it would have required the team play twice on Tuesday.

Twelve countries are competing for the Uber Cup, divided into four groups. Defending champions China are in Group W with Germany and United States. Group X consists of South Korea, Hong Kong and South Africa, while Malaysia, Denmark and New Zealand make up Group Y.

The Thomas Cup, the men's equivalent, will be played concurrently with Canada and Nigeria up against defending champions China in Group A.

Malaysia, South Korea and England are in Group B. Denmark, Japan and New Zealand make up Group C, while Indonesia, Germany and Thailand Group D.

Netherlands head coach Martijn van Dooremalen on Thursday said his team was upset with the new schedule. The new schedule indicates poor organization, he said.

"It was a ridiculous (decision). They told me only an hour after I arrived at the hotel," he said during a training session at Bung Karno Sports Hall.

The rescheduling requires a change in strategy and the team's lineup for each match, he said.

"I have not told them about the new schedule yet. We actually have no problems regarding our technical skills, but most of us are very tired," he said.

He said he hoped the new schedule would not interfere with his team's physical health and that he planned to protest to the BWF.

"We will protest next Saturday to the referees," he said.

Gandhi Sulistyanto, an Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) official, said he was relieved BWF granted Indonesia's rescheduling request.

"We threatened to boycott the tournament should Indonesia be required to play twice on one day" he said. Sulistyanto is also the Thomas and Uber Cup tournament head.

BWF did not inform the Indonesian team why Indonesia was required to play twice on the same day, he said.

"I protested because the information was unclear."

In 2006, the Netherlands reached the grand final of the Thomas Cup where they lost to heavyweight China 3-0.

This year, the Netherlands, which is missing former Indonesian star Mia Audina due to illness, has set a target to reach the quarterfinals.

"I am optimistic that our players can match any opponent, including Indonesia and China," he said. (ewd)

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