Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian top single player Taufik Hidayat said he cancelled his plan to participate in the 2007 All England, which is slated to be held on March 6-11, 2007. "It is really a pity as the preparations have already been good," he said here on Tuesday. He admitted that he made the decision due to his disappointment over the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI)`s indecisiveness concerning violation of the organization`s rules by some badminton players. Previously it was reported that some badminton players, namely Markis Kido, Luluk Hadiyanto, Alvent Yulianto and Flandy Limpele, took part in a competition in Papua last December without permission from the organization, causing their absence at the Super Series Switzerland Open. Head of the National Training Centre (Pelatnas) Christian Hadinata said the players had been sanctioned and were not sent to the Switzerland Open for the violation. Taufik, however, considered the PBSI was inconsistent. PBSI had previously decided not to send the violating players to the All England, but later PBSI changed its decision and decided not to send them to the Switzerland Open. Commenting on Taufik`s decision, Head of the Athlete`s Performance Building Section Lius Pongoh said there was no change in the list of players to be participated in All England. "So far, there is no athlete being cancelled (from taking part in the tournament). The tickets have also not yet been cancelled," he added. Lius said he had received the information on Taufik`s decision from his coach, Mulyo Handoyo last week. "He (Mulyo) said nothing about the reason, but said Taufik would not take part in the tournament," he said. Taufik did not take part in the 2005 All England for his injury. Last year, he was also absent from the oldest tournament held by the World Badminton Federation (WBF). This year, the 13th world rank player only took part in one Super Series Tournament. He was beaten by the world top player Lin Dan of China in the Malaysia Open.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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