A pleasant surprise
Fit-again Ramdan beats BAM player to reach last four
ULU KINTA: Fit-again Misbun Ramdan Misbun surprised himself by reaching the men’s singles semi-finals of the National Championships.
Yesterday, the 26-year-old persevered for 49 minutes to carve out a 21-14, 10-21, 21-19 quarter-final win over national back-up shuttler R. Satheishtharan at the Sri Perdana Hall in Ulu Kinta.
Ramdan’s movement was not as agile as before but he did show some good hand skills. He smashed down winners and played quite courageously at the net.
He was lucky too as Satheishtharan blew a few good opportunities to seal the match, especially after taking a 17-13 lead in the decider.
Ramdan, who underwent two operations after rupturing his Achilles tendon in 2015, faces Chong Yee Han of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) today for a place in the final.
Yee Han made it to the last four when second seed Zulfadli Zulkiffli, who lost the opening game 21-17, conceded a walkover after suffering a hamstring pull.
Ramdan was thrilled with his achievement in his first tournament in two years.
“I was not even sure whether I could clear the qualifying tournament but I’m in the semis now. I can’t believe it,” said the 2012 national champion.
“I was quite apprehensive before coming for this tournament. But so far, so good. I’m getting better in every match,” said Ramdan.
Ramdan admitted he had a tough time in the last two years.
“I went through an operation on my Achilles in 2015. It was not done properly, so I had to go through another operation last year.
“I didn’t give up. I was looking at ways to make a comeback. I’m fortunate that I’ve a father (former badminton great Datuk Misbun Sidek) who is devoted to the sport and a dedicated team (Nusa Mahsuri),” said Ramdan.
On his semi-match clash with Yee Han, Ramdan said: “We know each other’s game. It’s all about playing the right tactical game on match day.”
The other semi-final is between defending champion Lim Chi Wing and former international Liew Daren.