M

en's doubles end up giving redemption to some shuttlers who experienced unfulfilled singles careers.

And, the switch often pays dividends, as their potential truly lies in partnership on the court.

"I used to wish I was able to play like Taufik *Hidayat*," said Seiko Wahyu, teenage doubles player from Djarum badminton club, referring to the badminton star who won Indonesia's only gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

Seiko and his partner Didit Juang won the under-19 men's doubles title at the Chandra Wijaya Men's Doubles Championship in Jakarta on Saturday.

They defeated Budi and Moh. Sholihuddin Allan 21-18, 21-17 in the final.

Seiko recalled deciding to switch to doubles after failing to succeed as a singles player during his junior high school years.

"My parents and coach advised me to do so.

"I was devastated at first. But now, I am over it. As it turns out, I have been able to win more championships by playing doubles," said Seiko.

The teenage pair were the champions of the National Badminton Championship as well as the Jakarta Badminton Open last year.

Lingga Lie, 23, a member of the national training camp, said: "The idea that singles players were more prestigious used to be so strong during my childhood years.

"However, the fact that a lot of Indonesian doubles players have been successful internationally, like veterans Chandra Wijaya and Sigit Budiarto as well as Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, should motivate younger shuttlers to gradually change their perceptions," said Lingga, who was introduced to badminton by his father when he turned 6 years old.

Chandra Wijaya, who along with Tony Gunawan won a gold medal for Indonesia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, played singles for five years before switching to doubles.

"I myself had been a singles player for more than five years," said Chandra.

"Playing doubles is unique and challenging, as we have to be able to cooperate with our partner," he said. He is currently playing for Japan-based Tonami badminton club.

"I want people to better recognize and appreciate the men's doubles achievements," said Chandra.