ISKANDAR GOES DOWN FIGHTING IN SEMI-FINALS
Malaysian squanders lead and falls in semis
PETALING JAYA: Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin just blew it in the end.
The world No. 86 had the upper hand over world No. 8 Shi Yuqi of China as he led 16-12 in the deciding rubber during the men’s singles semi-finals of the Indian Open in New Delhi yesterday.
But he just couldn’t hold on and despite saving a match point with several last-ditch dives, Iskandar fell short to lose 21-18, 10-21, 19-21 to the fourth seed.
The 21-year-old Yuqi, competing in his first tournament this season, meets world No. 7 Chou Tien-chen of Taiwan for the title.
Third seed Tien-chen prevented an all-China final by beating world No. 35 Qiao Bin 23-21, 21-16 in the other semi-final.
It’s a frustrating finish for Iskandar, who is bidding to reach his first BWF World Tour Level 4 tournament final, but he can certainly walk tall.
The 26-year-old, whose form dipped following a string of injuries last year, exceeded expectations in New Delhi.
The Johorean had beaten a string of higher ranked players this week, most notably India’s world No. 5 K. Srikanth in the second round.
And his revival and return to form is certainly a big boost for Malaysia ahead of the Asia Team Championships in Alor Setar start-
ing tomorrow.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria is pleased with Iskandar’s showing and has urged him to carry that momentum into the Asian meet.
“The way Iskandar played is certainly something to be proud of,” said Norza.
“He had his struggles with injuries but he has come good under Datuk Misbun (Sidek). This is the year for him to show what he can do.
“It’s a great boost to have him as our third singles. With the way he’s playing now, I’m confident that he can step up and deliver the points,” added Norza.
In the men’s doubles, world No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo of Indonesia reached their second final in two weeks after whipping teammates Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan 21-11, 21-16.