Tough lesson
CHINA OPEN: Iskandar lets slip glorious chance to play in final
ISKANDAR Zulkarnain Zainuddin squandered a superb opportunity to reach his first ever Super Series final, and he only has himself to blame after crashing out in the
beat Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin in the semi-finals of the China Open yesterday to set up a final showdown against Chen Long. semi-finals of the China Open yesterday
The 25-year-old Malaysian fought tooth and nail to drag World No 6 Jan Jorgensen of Denmark to the deciding game, only to lose 22-20, 20-22, 21-7 after an hour.
National singles coach Tey Seu Bock said it was a tough lesson for the World No 33 who still has a lot to improve on if he wants to match the world’s best.
“If Iskandar had not wasted so many opportunities, he could have won the first game. He was leading 20-16 and he lost it.
“He must learn because he will be up against many more world class players and you must know how to handle them.
“I don’t know if he felt pressured when Jorgensen started catching up, but it is still no excuse.
“Overall, he played well at this tournament and should move up the world rankings. He, however, must improve,” said Seu Bock when contacted.
Jorgensen will take on Rio Olympics champion Chen Long of China in the final today.
Chen Long had earlier seen off another Dane Viktor Axelsen, 21-18, 9-21, 21-14 in the semi-finals.
Iskandar, meanwhile, will head to Kowloon for the Hong Kong Open that starts on Tuesday.
“The Hong Kong Open won’t be easy because it is also a Super Series event but I hope Iskandar can do well. He will also compete at the Macau Open (Nov 29-Dec 4),” added Seu Bock.