Indonesia Open to be Hidayat's last tournament
Source: AFP |
June 8, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FORMER Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat confirmed yesterday that he would retire after next week's Indonesia Open Super Series tournament, but was tight-lipped about his plans for the future.
One of Indonesia's best-known sportsmen will bring the curtain down on a brilliant and sometimes controversial career during which he won the Olympic gold in Athens in 2004 and was also crowned world champion.
"I will remain focused on helping develop badminton, but the details are still secret," the 31-year-old said when asked about his retirement plans.
He joked that details of a farewell party to be thrown for him at the end of the tournament were also a secret. "It's not a surprise anymore if I tell you now," he said.
The Indonesia Open, taking place in Jakarta from Monday to Sunday, will be the last chance spectators have to see Hidayat's legendary attack, which is particularly effective at the net, in a professional competition.
Hidayat had been likely to face arch rival Lin Dan in the first round of the Indonesia Open but organizers said yesterday the Chinese ace had pulled out.
Lin will not take part in the Indonesia Open or the June 18-23 Singapore Open, according to officials.
Lin confirmed his withdrawal to Chinese web firm Tencent's news and sports service, saying he was not in his best condition and wanted to focus on the world championship.
"I had injuries at the Asian Championship, and my body hasn't recovered to its best form after the National Games this week," he said. "I want to have some systematic training for a while before getting fully prepared for the world championship."
Others playing at the Indonesia Open include Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei and China's Chen Long.
One of Indonesia's best-known sportsmen will bring the curtain down on a brilliant and sometimes controversial career during which he won the Olympic gold in Athens in 2004 and was also crowned world champion.
"I will remain focused on helping develop badminton, but the details are still secret," the 31-year-old said when asked about his retirement plans.
He joked that details of a farewell party to be thrown for him at the end of the tournament were also a secret. "It's not a surprise anymore if I tell you now," he said.
The Indonesia Open, taking place in Jakarta from Monday to Sunday, will be the last chance spectators have to see Hidayat's legendary attack, which is particularly effective at the net, in a professional competition.
Hidayat had been likely to face arch rival Lin Dan in the first round of the Indonesia Open but organizers said yesterday the Chinese ace had pulled out.
Lin will not take part in the Indonesia Open or the June 18-23 Singapore Open, according to officials.
Lin confirmed his withdrawal to Chinese web firm Tencent's news and sports service, saying he was not in his best condition and wanted to focus on the world championship.
"I had injuries at the Asian Championship, and my body hasn't recovered to its best form after the National Games this week," he said. "I want to have some systematic training for a while before getting fully prepared for the world championship."
Others playing at the Indonesia Open include Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei and China's Chen Long.
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