Taufik challenged to defend gold medal in Beijing: Sutiyoso

Antara , Pontianak, West Kalimantan | Fri, 06/06/2008 3:55 PM | Sports

Indonesia's top men's singles shuttler Taufik Hidayat is likely fail when defending his gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games due to his inconsistent performance, said Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) chairman Sutiyoso on Friday.

"It will be difficult for Taufik to defend his gold medal. He can't maintain his physical fitness and he keeps losing," he said.

"Indonesia has a greater chance of winning gold medals through the men's doubles pair Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan and the mixed doubles pair Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir."

Both pairs ranked first in the world according to a list released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in May.

Taufik, well known for his bad temper and roller-coaster performance, won the gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Indonesian shuttlers have always managed to grab gold medals since the sport was first played at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics.

"Given the strength of players in the men's division, it will be difficult for our shuttlers to keep contributing gold medals," Sutiyoso said.

"Meanwhile, China is still dominating the women's division."

Indonesia will be represented by two men's singles players, one men's doubles team, one women's singles player, one women's doubles team and two mixed doubles teams. A total of 11 shuttlers make up the team. (****)

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