SALUTE: Indonesian legend heaps praise on his greatest rival
INDONESIAN legend Rudy Hartono doesn't fear anyone but is full of admiration for one rival -- Datuk Punch Gunalan.
Hartono was in danger of losing his All England crown in the 1974 final after losing the first game to Gunalan before prevailing with a three-game win.
It was the only time Hartono had dropped a game in all his eight All England finals, and he knew how special Gunalan was.
The Malaysian did get his revenge as he partnered Ng Boon Bee to beat Rudy and Indra Gunawan in the doubles final at the Wembley Arena on the same night.
Hartono, in a telephone interview from Jakarta yesterday, admitted that his greatest rival came very close to denying his perfect record in the All England at that point of time.
"Gunalan was already a doubles player then but he showed excellent fighting spirit.
"That was the most difficult win for me in the All England and for that I really admire him as a player," said Hartono.
"He wanted to show his ability on that day. He could have beaten me.
"His drive to excel was the reason why he became a brilliant administrator.
"He was my close friend and because of him, I joined International Badminton Federation (IBF) as a council member. He always believed former players must keep contributing and eventually more former players started becoming administrators.
"Gunalan was also a good motivator and always encouraged his fellow players when they struggle. And he had a good sense of humour.
"We have lost a great leader, a wonderful person and it is sad to lose such a dear friend."
That, coming from a great rival like Hartono, comes as no higher respect for Gunalan.
Hartono was in danger of losing his All England crown in the 1974 final after losing the first game to Gunalan before prevailing with a three-game win.
It was the only time Hartono had dropped a game in all his eight All England finals, and he knew how special Gunalan was.
The Malaysian did get his revenge as he partnered Ng Boon Bee to beat Rudy and Indra Gunawan in the doubles final at the Wembley Arena on the same night.
Hartono, in a telephone interview from Jakarta yesterday, admitted that his greatest rival came very close to denying his perfect record in the All England at that point of time.
"Gunalan was already a doubles player then but he showed excellent fighting spirit.
"That was the most difficult win for me in the All England and for that I really admire him as a player," said Hartono.
"He wanted to show his ability on that day. He could have beaten me.
"His drive to excel was the reason why he became a brilliant administrator.
"He was my close friend and because of him, I joined International Badminton Federation (IBF) as a council member. He always believed former players must keep contributing and eventually more former players started becoming administrators.
"Gunalan was also a good motivator and always encouraged his fellow players when they struggle. And he had a good sense of humour.
"We have lost a great leader, a wonderful person and it is sad to lose such a dear friend."
That, coming from a great rival like Hartono, comes as no higher respect for Gunalan.
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