She walks slowly onto the court with a blank face. When the match begins, she looks like she will not chase after the shuttlecock. Please welcome "Queen of three games" Maria Kristin Yulianti of Indonesia!

At the age of 23 (a little older than your average Asian shuttler) Maria earned a bronze medal in the women's singles badminton competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

This was an achievement in itself since none of Indonesia's entrants in the same event four years ago (in Athens) were able to qualify.

"The result surpassed my personal target of making it to the quarterfinals. Of course I am happy," said Maria who is currently ranked 21 in the world.

Top seeds may ask how she did it. Maria not only upset Danish sixth seed Tine Rasmussen in the 16th round, but also blocked the Chinese from making a clean sweep of the medals by defeating third seed Lu Lan 11-21, 21-13, 21-15.

Born in the coastal town of Tuban, East Java, Maria began practicing badminton at the age of 10 in her hometown, before joining the Djarum club in 1998.

Djarum (based in Kudus, Central Java) is one of the biggest badminton clubs in Indonesia, however Maria was not happy there.

"I hated badminton back then. The reason why I joined the club was because my father forced me to, but if it was up to me I would have chosen volleyball."

Maria's father, Yuli Purnomo, loves Badminton and still coaches children in the neighborhood. But neither of her siblings -- Krisnathan Yulianto and Magda Thalia Yulianti -- took to the sport.

It took Maria eight years of intensive training at the Djarum club before she grabbed her first title at the Surabaya Satellite.

"I realized badminton was my life. I preferred badminton to study, so I had to dedicate myself to it," she said.

The year 2005 was a turning point in Maria's sporting career. She and the other national female shuttlers -- who for the first time in history failed to qualify for the Uber Cup women's team championship -- were given an ultimatum by the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) to improve their form or leave the national training center.

The PBSI called in the 2000 Sydney Olympics silver medalist and 2001 world champion, Hendrawan, to coach the female shuttlers.

At that time, Hendrawan said he could get them medals at the 2008 Olympics -- and he kept his promise.

"This victory is for Hendrawan. He was the one who got me this far. I didn't expect this to happen. Hendrawan not only taught me badminton, but he taught me how to deal with life," said Maria (who is now coached by Hendrawan's former assistant, Marlev Mainaky) after the bronze medal playoff match.

Hendrawan not only trained the girls in badminton technique, but also boosted their motivation in off-court matters.

"He's democratic. He allowed us to argue and have discussions and he has a good sense of humor. Hendrawan often gave us guidance and evaluated our performance -- especially at major events," Maria added.

Hendrawan and Marlev have different play techniques, Maria said. "While Hendrawan is good in long rallies and lobs, Marlev prefers drives and fast rallies."

The loyal reader of Detective Conan (manga) is now ready to take on more responsibility.

"We have proven we can improve. PBSI should not discriminate against us with the male players," she said.

Even 1992 Barcelona Olympics gold medalist Susy Susanti praised Maria's achievement.

"Women's singles players need more opportunities to prove they can follow in Maria's footsteps. We need new talents to support her," Susy said.

When asked if she was ready to be the next Susy, Maria answered, "Susy has everything."

"I still have a lot to learn to become like her."

But with her recent win, Maria's name will never be the same.

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