Indonesian shuttlers win eight spots in Olympics

JAKARTA, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian shuttlers have won eight spots in the Beijing Olympic Games with mixed doubles tipped to continue the country's gold tradition since badminton became a medal event in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic.

In the men's singles, the country will field 2004 Olympic gold medalist Taufik Hidayat and Sony Dwo Kuncoro.

According to the latest report of the Badminton World Federation, Indonesia's men's doubles and mixed doubles also grab two berths apiece, represented by Markis Kido/Hendra Setiawan, Luluk Hadiyanto/Alvent Yulianto, Nova Widianto/Lilyana Natsir and Flandy Limpele/Vita Marissa, respectively.

Maria Kristin Yulianti becomes Indonesia's sole hope in women's singles, so do Vita Marissa/Lilyana Natsir in women's doubles.

"For this year, our best chance lies in mixed doubles," head coach Christian Hadinata was quoted Friday by major national newspaper Kompas as saying.

Indonesian mixed double players have never won Olympic gold medal before.

Despite having the world's top men's doubles in Markis/Hendra, Christian said their fate would depend largely on the drawing results.

Men's doubles competition will be especially fierce because there are tough players from many rivals such as China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and Denmark, he said.