India Open boost for Iskandar
Zulkarnain Zainuddin is fired up for the Asia Team Championships, which start tomorrow, following a good run at the India Open.
The World 86 made his first semi-final appearance since 2016 in New Delhi before losing in three games to China’s Shi Yuqi on Saturday.
The 26-year-old attributed his rise from a back injury he suffered last year to national singles coach Misbun Sidek.
“The achievement at the India Open has definitely given me the motivation to strive for better results,” said Iskandar on the Badminton World Federation website yesterday.
“Misbun has been helping me a lot... he is like a father to me.
“He regularly talks to me and we are very close.”
Iskandar is ranked fourth among the national singles shuttlers after World No 2 Lee Chong Wei, 47th-ranked Lee Zii Jia and 63rd-ranked Soong Joo Ven for the Asia Team event.
Malaysia are in Group C with Taiwan, Thailand and Myanmar.
The tournament doubles up as a qualifier for the Thomas Cup in May.
“The Asia Team event is important as it offers tickets for the Thomas Cup.
“We are determined to do our best for the country, so that we can qualify on merit.
“I am fired up after my performance in India,” Iskandar added.