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Hayom, Wisnu face top seeds in semifinals
In their bid for a medal at the ongoing SEA Games, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka and Wisnu Yuli Prasetyo face the daunting prospect of going up against seeded opponents in the semifinals
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n their bid for a medal at the ongoing SEA Games, Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka and Wisnu Yuli Prasetyo face the daunting prospect of going up against seeded opponents in the semifinals.
Hayom must tackle top seed Nguyen Tien Minh of Vietnam if he is to meet the target of winning silver as expected by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).
The Indonesian player has lost in their two previous matches, both in Vietnam in 2008 and 2009.
'We expect Hayom to perform his best. This is good chance for him to beat Nguyen. Nguyen is very skilled, especially in rallies. Hopefully, Hayom will not fall into Nguyen's game rhythm in which he can launch smashes at whim,' team manager Ricky Subagdja said in a release.
'Facing Nguyen will require extra stamina because he is the type who relies on long rallies,' Hayom said.
Wisnu's opponent is Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk, the second seed from Thailand.
'Wisnu has shown improved play. However, there is an array of things he needs to further improve. He seems to rush, as he demonstrated during quarterfinals. He needs to exercise more restraint,' coach Joko Supriyanto said.
Wisnu defeated Zainuddin Iskandar Zulkarnain of Malaysia 21-10, 21-15 on Thursday, while Hayom secured his semifinal ticket after winning 21-6, 21-8 over Min Aung Kyi of Myanmar.
In the men's doubles, Angga Pratama/Rian Agung Saputro had a walkover win over Thais Suppanyu Avihingsanon/Wannawat Ampunsuwan (Thailand) because Suppanyu was injured. Ricky Karanda Suwardi/Berry Angriawan eased past Sengvidason Phanthasone/Vongpachith Xaysomphone of Laos 21-4, 21-6.
Meanwhile, Bellaetrix Manuputty became Indonesia's only medal hope after Aprilia Yuswandari failed to overcome her nemeses in Busanan Ongbumrungpan of Thailand. She lost 11-21, 18-21, which was his third in as many matches between the two players.
'I had difficulty in anticipating her lobbed ball to the back. She placed the ball accurately. Her jump smashes to the corners were difficult to take. When I opted for a net game, I could avoid conceding unforced errors,' she said.
Bellaetrix advanced to the semifinals after edging out Li Lian Yang of Malaysia 21-16, 21-15. The next task will be tougher for her when she takes on top seed Nitchaon Jindapon of Thailand.
'Bellaetrix must be alert because her opponent is tougher. She must further build her focus and concentration. She must have extra motivation to win the game,' Ricky said.
They evened out in their past two meetings, with one winning at one, and the other winning at the other.
