Indon shuttlers claim four of five golds

Indonesia, whose shuttlers have skipped all tournaments in the previous months to prepare for the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, hauled four of the five gold medals at stake in the badminton individual events finals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

World No. 2 mixed doubles pair Nova Widiantoa and Lilyana Natsir took the first gold for Indonesia on a 15-6, 15-2 victory over compatriots Anggun Nugroho and Yunita Tetty, ranked 16th in the world.

In another all-Indonesian match, Luluk Hadiyanto and Alvent Yulianto Chandra, rated fourth in the world, survived the tough stand of Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan, 15-8, 7-15, and 15-6.

Wong Pei Tty and Chin Eei Hui delivered the lone Indonesian upset. The top-ranked duo in the SEAG won over Jo Novita and Greysia Polii , 15-12, 9-15, 15-13.

Singles bets Sony Dwi Kuncoro and Adriyanti Firdasari likewise contributed to Indonesia’s medal-binge. Kuncoro trimmed fellow Indonesian Sinib Santoso, 17-16, 15-3. Firdasar dislodged Malaysian Wong Mew Choo , 11-8, 11-7. — Icy Luzano