Time is running out for injured national champion Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin but has not given up on playing in two major tournaments – the Malaysia Open and the Thomas Cup Finals.
The 24-year-old from Muar, Johor is nursing a heel injury which he picked up during a second round match in the men’s singles in the recent Swiss Open in Basel.
Iskandar is the most improved Malaysian player and his steady rise has made him a vital cog in the national team – especially when Malaysia have qualified for the Thomas Cup Finals in Kunshan, China from May 15-22.
Malaysia will send a team to Kunshan that is beefed up by former world No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei and Iskandar is a certainty for the number two slot.
“It is not a serious injury but it will take time to heel,” said Iskandar with disappointment written all over his face.
The Thomas Cup Finals take a back seat for now. It is the Malaysia Open that tops all in Iskandar’s mind – knowing that this is one tournament that he would very much like to excel in against the legends from around the world.
The badminton world’s top 10 ranked players in the world will be in Shah Alam for the Superseries Premier event that will be played at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.
Iskandar has beaten some of the top names in badminton and did well to finish runners-up to “Abang” (Big Brother) Chong Wei in the Viktor Far East Malaysia Masters in Penang in January.
“The Malaysia Open and the Thomas Cup Finals are two major meets which I would not like to miss. I hope to recover in time for the Malaysia Open although time is against me.”
Putting the injury aside, Iskandar has a tough road to get into the main draw in the Malaysia Open.
In the qualifying rounds Iskandar will face former Indonesian ace Sony Dwi Kuncoro. If he wins he will meet either Thai veteran Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk or Indian youngster Sameer Verma for a place in the main draw.
