# The duo have their own band of supporters
# Iskandar is riding on new found fame
 By Rizal Abdullah
Malaysia’s No 1 shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei and national champion Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin have lighted up the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam during the on-going Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open.
Without doubt Chong Wei has been the undisputed Malaysian No 1 and the badminton brand for nearly two decades. This reputation later spread to the world and the Penangite established himself world wide.
As Malaysia searches for a replacement for Chong Wei the emergence of 24-year-old Iskandar has given Malaysian badminton some breathing space in singles.
It was nearly mid-night when Iskandar won his match against Indonesia’s rising star Anthony Ginting but it was heartening and heartwarming to see a band of Iskandar’s supporters staying on to cheer the Malaysian.
It was no different in Penang in January this year during the Malaysia Masters men’s singles final. Iskandar played “Abang” Chong Wei in the final with both having their own band of supporters. Chong Wei triumphed as expected but Iskandar showed his potential.
Today Iskandar battles Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark in the second round and a place in the quarter-final is not impossible for the Malaysian – who has found new found confidence in his game and does not fear higher ranked players.
Their supporters are there to give them morale support in the stands.Â
