The Dutch Uber Cup team said it would protest the rescheduling of women's team badminton championship matches in Jakarta to the World Badminton Federation (BWF).
The Uber Cup's new schedule, which begins Sunday at the Bung Karno Sports Hall, means the Netherlands are required to play twice on Monday against Group Z teams Indonesia and Japan.
BWF amended the schedule to accommodate the Indonesian team. Indonesia objected to the initial timetable as it would have required the team play twice on the same day, local newspaper The Jakarta Post reported Friday.
Netherlands head coach Martijn van Dooremalen said his team was upset with the new schedule. The new schedule indicates poor organization, he said.
"It was a ridiculous (decision). They told me only an hour after I arrived at the hotel," he said on Thursday.
The rescheduling requires a change in strategy and the team's lineup for each match, he said.
"I have not told them about the new schedule yet. We actually have no problems regarding our technical skills, but most of us are very tired," he said.
He said he hoped the new schedule would not interfere with his team's physical health and that he planned to protest to the BWF.
"We will protest next Saturday to the referees," he said.
Twelve countries and region are competing for the Uber Cup, divided into four groups. Defending champions China are in Group Wwith Germany and United States. Group X consists of South Korea, Hong Kong and South Africa, while Malaysia, Denmark and New Zealand make up Group Y.
In 2006, the Netherlands reached the grand final of the Uber Cup where they lost to heavyweight China 3-0.
This year, the Netherlands, which is missing former Indonesian star Mia Audina due to illness, has set a target to reach the quarterfinals.
"I am optimistic that our players can match any opponent, including Indonesia and China," he said.
Source: Xinhua
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