Zulfadli upbeat about chances despite tough draw
KUALA LUMPUR: Can independent shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli serve up another surprise at the World Championships?
The 24-year-old Zulfadli (pic) is the only other Malaysian besides veteran Lee Chong Wei playing in the men’s singles at the world meet in Glasgow, Scotland, starting at Emirates Arena tomorrow.
Zulfadli made heads turn in his debut two years ago when he dumped Taiwan’s top player Chou Tien-chen in the opening round in Jakarta before his campaign ended in the third round.
This time Zulfadli, who has been under the radar this season, will have to bring out his best to upset at least one top player in his second world outing.
Zulfadli remained upbeat about his chances.
“It’s one of my best preparations and I’m ready. It’s never be easy in a world meet. The draw is tough but that’s expected,” said Zulfadli, who is in Glasgow with his father-cumcoach.
The world No. 41 should win his first-round match against Artem Pochtarov of Ukraine in the top half of the draw. That should set him up for a second-round clash against 11th seed Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk of Thailand.
Should he upstage the Thai, he then faces a daunting task against world No. 1 and top seed Son Wanho of South Korea.
Zulfadli has been struggling since reaching the quarter-finals of the Syed Modi International in India in April.
He has lost in the early rounds of the last six international tournaments.
“I’ve the same motivation as Chong Wei – to do well in a world meet. I’ve done my part as far as my preparation is concerned.
“If it’s God’s will, all will fall into place,” said the determined Zulfadli.
Three-time World Championships runner-up Chong Wei is seeded second and is in the same half as defending champion and fifth seed Chen Long of China, third seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and 10th seed Tian Houwei of China.
Chong Wei will meet Brixe Leverdez of France in the opening round tomorrow.
He should tread with caution, having lost to the Frenchman in the Denmark Open last year.