Iskandar is national champion again

Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin does not want to get too excited with his success of winning the men’s singles title in the National Championships at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday,

Iskandar, the World No 52 defeated 47th-ranked Lee Zii Jia 21-19, 21-16 for his first national crown since 2015.

The Malaysian hopes to use the victory as a stepping stone to do better in international tournaments as he eyes to break into the world’s top-20 by the end of the year.

“I had endured a lot after recovering from a back injury. When I first returned to competitive badminton, I lost training matches to my teammates and this affected my confidence,” said Iskandar.

“However, I did not give up. National singles coach Misbun Sidek also helped me to regain my confidence and form.

“The win today is a great motivation, and I hope to continue my good form in upcoming tournaments.”

In the women’s singles final, Soniia Cheah captured her first national title by outlasting S. Kisona 21-14, 21-19.

“After several attempts, I have finally won the national women’s title. It is sweet as I was also confirmed for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games today,” said Soniia.

Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong edged Arif Latif-Nur Azriyn Ayup 21-17, 19-21, 21-15 for the men’s doubles crown.

Goh Yea Ching-Soong Fie Cho overcame Chow Mei Kuan-Yap Cheng Wen 2119, 22-24 in the women’s doubles final, while Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jamie defeated Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing 2117, 21-17 for the mixed doubles title.