ACOG - News - IBM

(28 July 1996; Day 9)

SIDEK Upsets No. 1 SUPRIANTO in Men's Singles Badminton

Rashid SIDEK is one match closer to evening the score.

Before Sunday, SIDEK (MAS) had met Indonesia's Joko SUPRIANTO in badminton tournaments 12 times since 1990. SUPRIANTO, the top-ranked men's singles player, had two wins more than SIDEK, 7-5. SIDEK had lost the last six meetings, not winning since April of 1992.

Now the score is 7-6 and SIDEK has the latest victory.

SIDEK, seeded seventh in the tournament, dominated the first game, winning 15-5. He got out to an early lead and managed to hang on to it. He made only seven errors in the game.

But the match was far from won. SUPRIANTO gained the early lead in the second game, but SIDEK soon caught up and surpassed SUPRIANTO, driving the score to 7-2 before SUPRIANTO gained the serve. SUPRIANTO took advantage of some crucial errors by SIDEK to bring the game within one point, but was shut down, stalled by several errors of his own.

The game progressed slowly, with SIDEK eventually driving the score to 14-10. They traded serves. After a quick series of short volleys, SUPRIANTO won the serve, staving off match point for the second time.

He then began to score.

14-11...

14-12...

SUPRIANTO smashed a shot just wide, giving SIDEK one more opportunity -- an opportunity he would capitalize on.

After a long rally, it happened. No sooner did the shuttlecock leave SUPRIANTO's racket, it hit the net. SIDEK had won match point. For the first time in seven meetings, SIDEK had won.

"I have met Joko many times before and often lost," said SIDEK, "so this is a moment to treasure."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Deana A.G. Monahan.


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