Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon to lead Indonesia’s challenge at Sudirman Cup

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Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon are responsible to score a point in the men's doubles event for Indonesia. (photo: PBSI)
Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon are responsible to score a point in the men's doubles event for Indonesia. (photo: PBSI)

Jakarta: The Indonesian players were high in spirit when they attended the departure ceremony that was held at Hotel Century Athlete in Jakarta on Saturday in conjunction with the celebration of 68th anniversary of the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).

The Chairman of PBSI brought up the story of how Indonesia managed to come from 0-2 down to eventually won the 1989 Sudirman Cup during his opening speech.

“This day coincides with PBSI’s 68th anniversary. We hope our team can win the trophy after 30-year wait,” said Wiranto.

“We really miss the Sudirman Cup trophy. I hope Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and his teammates could bring home the trophy,” added Wiranto.

In the 1989 Sudirman Cup, Susi Susanti who was only 18 years old at that time, shouldered a very heavy burden when Indonesia was trailed by 0-2 behind South Korea in the final. She had to win the women’s singles match against Lee Young-Suk, who was the 1988 World Badminton Grand Prix runner-up, in order to keep Indonesia alive in the championship.

Susanti lost the first game to Lee with a score of 10-12. While in the second game, Susanti fought back from 7-10 deficit to win 12-10. The crowd at Istora Senayan, Jakarta was stunned when Lee Young-Suk completely collapsed and lost the decider with a score of 0-11 to Susanti in the third game.

Susanti’s victory had motivated Eddy Kurniawan to beat Sung Han-kook in men’s singles match that followed with 15-4, 15-3 before Eddy Hartono/Verawaty Fajrin produced another superb performance to shock Park Joo Bong/Chung So-young 18-13, 15-3.

“With enthusiasm and strong motivation, our players should be able to play their best for Indonesia,” said Susanti.

“We ask for the support from the management and the people of Indonesia so that our team can bring the Sudirman Cup back to the country,” added Susanti who also served as the Indonesian Team Manager at the 2019 Sudirman Cup.

The 2019 Sudirman Cup will take place in Nanning, China from May 19 to May 26, 2019. The Indonesian team has been drawn into Group B with Denmark and Britain and will depart for Nanning, China on Wednesday (05/15/2019).

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