ISKANDAR READY TO ANSWER CALL

World No 97 determined to make Asia Team squad

FERZALFIE FAUZI ferzalfie@nstp.com.my

SHOWING that he is in top form during training is Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin’s way of showing that he should be selected for the Asia Team Badminton Championship on Feb 6-11, which is the qualifying round for the Thomas Cup.

According to the Muar-born player, it is every shuttler’s dream to play in the Thomas Cup.

“Right now I do not know what my chances are of making the squad. Only the coach can make such a decision.

“However I have been training really well and I can only hope that I will be given the trust to be part of the team like two years ago as the second singles,” he said.

Iskandar Zulkarnain, 26, is fired up by Lee Chong Wei’s call to national players to show strong fighting spirit

“I know Chong Wei wants players who have fighting spirit, who are not afraid and will not fold when under pressure on court.

“I hope I will be given the trust and I am confident that I can perform during the Thomas Cup as perhaps the third singles based on current rankings.

“Looking back at the list of players from two years ago, there is a 40 to 60 per cent chance that half the players who represented the country then will make the squad, with the remainder made up of up and coming players.

“At the same time, we should not be hoping for something extraordinary to happen during this qualifying campaign. We stand a good chance and it is up to us to make things happen,” he said.

When asked about his performance this season, Iskandar Zulkarnain admitted he has been on a rocky path following a bad back injury.

“Last year I saw action in quite a few Super Series tournaments. But it has been a different story this season where I’ve only been able to collect points from International Challenges. I endured a drop in ranking and won only the Malaysian International Challenge title.

“As for next year, it will be difficult because of the new rules. So I cannot waste not even a chance,

Iskandar Zulkarnain, ranked World No. 97, will begin next year’s campaign by taking part in the India Open on Jan 30 to Feb 4.