KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 ― Indonesia’s Istara Senayan badminton stadium has always been viewed as a volcano waiting to erupt.

Shuttlers have often spoken about being intimidated by the vociferous home crowd, who can get hostile when the going gets tough for their shuttlers at the 9,000-seater arena.

“The Indonesian fans generally don’t like us. They are seated close to the courts, and when the game is against them, the boos and howls automatically come out,” said doubles shuttler Woon Khe Wei.

“I remember during the 2011 SEA Games at the arena when the crowd tried to sway the umpire decision’s line calls on a number of occasions.

“I hope this year will be different and the Indonesians will warm-up to us. Even if they don’t, we must focus on our own game and block out any distractions,” said Woon, who clinched bronze in the team event then.

Morten Frost, who had featured in many finals at the 53-year-old venue challenged his charges to rise above the occasion.

“I have good memories of the stadium,” said Frost.

“It’s every shuttler’s dream to play there and I want our players to look at the positives and enjoy their game.

“The real thrill is when you beat an Indonesian and have a riled up crowd against you!” added the Dane, who won silver at the 1983 World Badminton GP at Senayan.

Team manager Ng Chin Chai played down the expected hostile environment.

“Almost all our players have played there. I don’t think the fans will be against them, Indonesia aren’t our rivals anymore. South Korea and China are.

“But regardless of the crowd, as professionals they must play their best game,” said the BAM secretary.