Misbun hails Iskandar's fighting spirit after Shesar scare
Published on: Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Kuala Lumpur: The motivating words of the country's head coach Datuk Misbun Sidek galvanised national singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, who was almost knocked out of the Malaysian Perodua Masters Badminton Championships.Iskandar who won the second qualifying match at the Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur Sports City, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday, was forced to struggle hard when he lost 15-21 in the first set before rising to oust Indonesia's Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in the next two sets 21-15, 21-8.Misbun said he did not want Iskandar Zulkarnain to waste the opportunities given to him and pushed Iskandar back into focus despite his fatigued state.
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"I told him, you practised hard, why give up? There's nothing to lose, fight all out. Being tired will lead to dejection which will make the player give up. He needs to rethink his goals in this tournament."I understand it's not easy to get past two qualifying rounds. But I am satisfied with the performance of the national singles players. They fight all out, that's what we want, "he told reporters after the match.Misbun said only the spirit and the will of the player himself would bring success in badminton.
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In addition to Iskandar, compatriot Soong Joo Ven also made it to the main draw."I believe players can learn to persevere under pressure from their opponents and their own tiredness.
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Even though we saw Iskandar lagging behind just now, I saw that he fought back, that is what we want from this player. When they have the spirit and the desire, it's easy for us to shape them, "he said.The performance of both players was crucial Tuesday in preparing for the Asian Badminton Team (Thomas Cup qualifier) Championship to be held from Feb 6-11. Professional men's singles player, Liew Daren also advanced with a 21-16, 13-21, 21-7 win over Kim Bruun from Denmark for the first round match Wednesday.Meanwhile, men's doubles qualifiers, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, beat teammates Shia Chun Kang-Tan Wee Gieen 17-21, 21-15, 21-19 while professional Lim Khim Wah, who partnered Yoo Yeon Seong of South Korea also went ahead with a 21-14 and 21-14 win.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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