Indonesia's Badminton in Olympic 2008

As usual, some of the very few events Indonesia participated in are Badminton, Archery, Weightlifting and Sailing (I think I missed something). Indonesia sent around 21 people, most of which are competing in Badminton.

In the Men's Single we have Taufik Hidayt and Sony Dwi Kuncoro.

Taufik, just recovered from dengue fever got a really bad end in his Olympic career by being beaten by an older Malaysian Badminton player, Wong Chong Hann, in the first round. Apparently he's had been getting worse in his performances lately. It's rather sad, especially if you guys know how great he was at Badminton before.

Our last chance in getting the medal for Men's single lays in Sony's hands. Well, he's got to play with the second seeded Malaysian player, Lee Chong Wei next, so he's going to have to work hard for it. Even if he gets through, to the end, eh would have to face super Dan, which wouldn't be so good.

In women singles, we have the first first female shuttler that Indonesia has who got through to the quarterfinals ever since the legendary Susi Susanti (pic below). I'm quite proud of her, because she ranked the 21st, and she is unseeded.

In her first Olympic game, she beat Juliane Schenk (rank 12?) from Germany, Martinez Yoana from Spain, Tine Rasmussen (6th seeded) and she is off to play against India's Saina Nehwal (who beat the 3rd seeded Chen Wang from HK). All the best for her match today!

I miss Susi Susanti! Even though I didn't watch her, I was too young. But I watched her videos on YouTube. There are not many, and most are soundless, but it's awesome to see her play, especially with her leg split for saving shuttles from far away. Apparently she's quite a well known person from Indonesia, as she and her fiance, Alan Budikusuma, presented Indonesia with the very first Indonesian gold medal since 1952, in 1992, when the Badminton was introduced to the Olympic Games.

In our mixed doubles, we have Liliyana and Nova Widianto, first seeded. They got through quite a few challenges and are going to play against Thailand's duet tomorrow.
We also have Vita Marissa and Flandy Limpele, third seeded, playing Denmark tomorrow. These few days are just way too exciting.
In the Men Double, we have Markis Kido (Kidho?) and Hendra Setiawan who are also the first seeded. Let's hope they win! Playing against a Malaysian team today.

We also had a women's doubles, and they are the female members of our two mixed double pairs. They lost like in their first round I think.

Well, all the best to Indonesian athletes who are still playing/competing. Congrats to those who have won the two Bronze medals (weightlifting) and to those who have tried their best. Let's make Indonesia proud! I am proud of people like Susi Susanti or Taufik (minus his bad temper). Let's have more Indonesian! MOAR Indonesia plzkthxbai.

Anyway, next will be about the weightlifting and the rest of the events Indonesia participated in.