The draw for the US$170,000 Asia Cup could not have been more intriguing for holders Indonesia.

Looking for their third consecutive Asia Cup title, Indonesia will not only go up against dark-horses Korea but also against two teams that will feature a strong line-up of former Indonesian players.

When the tournament starts at Singapore's National Indoor Stadium on May 2, Indonesia will find themselves going head-on against the host nation and fast improving Hong Kong in Group A.

Singapore will have three former Indonesian stars – Indra Wijaya, Ronald Susilo and Aman Santoso - on their side while Hong Kong will parade two – Agus Haryanto and Albertus Susanto Njoto.

China, still searching for their first ever final appearance in an Asia Cup tournament have been drawn against twice runners-up Malaysia, Japan and India in Group B.

But all eyes will be on the Indonesian campaign. Although their biggest test in the preliminary rounds will be the Koreans, Indonesia will be wary of the other rivals.

Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC) secretary Datuk Punch Gunalan said that Indonesia were indeed drawn in the tougher of the two groups.

"Korea has the strength to beat them, especially with the upcoming singles players and their very strong doubles pair," said Gunalan.

Korea will be banking on Lee Hyun Il and Shon Seung Mo to provide the thrills in the singles and the doubles pair of Lee Dong Soo and Yoo Yong Sung to clinch the winner.

"Singapore and Hong Kong cannot be taken for granted, especially with the injection of the former Indonesian stars," Gunalan.

It is interesting to note that Indra Wijaya was the first choice singles player for Indonesia when they won the Asia Cup in Jakarta in 1997.

With both the current Indonesian singles shuttlers - Taufik Hidayat and Hendrawan – going through lean periods, Indonesia may be forced to work hard for their victory.

Despite that, both Indonesia and South Korea are expected to move on to the semi-finals from Group A. On current form, China and Malaysia should join them in the last four from Group B.

The Asia Cup uses a three-tie format of two singles and one doubles match per tie. Only eight teams of four players each are invited to take part in the tournament, based on merit.

With a purse of US$170,000 at stake, the Asia Cup will be the richest inter-team badminton championship in the world and has drawn the best players in the world.

The winning team will take home a total of US$80,000 while the runners-up will stand to win US$40,000. The third and fourth placed teams will receive US$20,000 and US$10,000 respectively.

For the first time, there will also be prize money for the 5th and 6th place (US$6,000), and 7th and 8th place (US$4,000).

The total prize money offered at the Asia Cup this year is an increase of US$70,000 over the amount offered at the last tournament in Vietnam.

FIXTURES:

Wednesday, 2 May
Ct. 1: Indonesia vs. Singapore
Ct. 2: Korea vs. Hong Kong
Ct. 3: Malaysia vs. Japan
Ct. 4: China vs. India

Thursday, 3 May
Ct. 1: Indonesia vs. Hong Kong
Ct. 2: Korea vs. Singapore
Ct. 3: Malaysia vs. India
Ct. 4: China vs. Japan

Friday, 4 May
Ct. 1: Indonesia vs. Korea
Ct. 2: Hong Kong vs. Singapore
Ct. 3: Japan vs. India
Ct. 4: China vs. Malaysia

Group A
Indonesia (holders)
Singapore
Korea
Hong Kong

Group B
Malaysia
India
China
Japan