Flamboyant Bodin hopes to be the mane man

THERE is no way you’d miss Thai shuttler Bodin Isara (pic) – what with his quirky and eye-catching Mohawk hairstyle.

The flamboyant 26-year-old men’s doubles shuttler is hoping that it will bring him good luck as he eyes a first SEA Games individual gold after failing to do so for the last 10 years.

“I love (Manchester United football player) Paul Pogba and I’m trying to follow his hairstyle. Hopefully, it’ll bring me luck at these Games,” said the Red Devils fan.

“I’ve played in the SEA Games many times and always lost in the individual events. This time, I want to get it right.”

Yesterday, Bodin showed his steely determination when he qualified for two semi-finals – in the men’s doubles with Nipitphon Phuangphuapet and mixed doubles with Savitree Amitrapai.

Today, top seeds Bodin-Nipitphon will face Malaysia’s third seeds Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi in the men’s doubles.

In the mixed doubles, BodinSavitree will take on Malaysia’s Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.

Bodin, who returned from a twoyear ban in 2015 following a brawl with former teammate Maneepong Jongjit during the men’s doubles final at the 2013 Canada Open, said that he had turned over a new leaf.

“I’m back in the national team. Nipitphon and I reached the Denmark Open and French Open finals last year,” he said.

“We’re also very motivated since coach Rexy Mainaky (of Indonesia) joined us. He not only teaches us to be good on court, but also in life generally. I’m hoping for a better future in badminton. Starting, hopefully, with a SEA Games gold.”