Fourth seed Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin cleared his first hurdle with comparative ease with a 21-11, 21-6 win over Cambodia’s Cheng Phorrom in his first round match in the badminton individual events.
However, the Malaysian was quick to admit that he faces an uphill task in the second round when he meets Vietnamese bogeyman Nguyen Tien Minh – who holds a 3-0 head to head advantage.
“I have met Tien Minh three times and lost each time. Tien Minh is a very tough player. He is a fighter who never gives up till the end,” said Iskandar.
“I have poor record against Tien Minh but I am fully focused to end the jinx on home soil. This is the time for me to do it and I believe I can do it in front of my home supporters.”
Former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei will plays Indonesia’s second seed Fitriani Fiteriani in the second round.
Malaysia’s number one women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei will take on Singapore’s Ong Reng-Ne-Crystal Wong Jia Ming in the second round.
SELECTED RESULTS (First Round)
Men’s singles
Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin (Mas) beat Cheng Phorrom (Cam) 21-11, 21-6
Nguyen Tien Minh (Vie) beat Vixuannalath Phichith (Lao) 21-11, 21-7
Women’s singles
Gregoria Mariska (Ina) beat Mimi Sixomxeuane (Cam) 21-4, 21-10
Mixed doubles
Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See (Mas) beat Edi Subaktiar-Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja (Ina) 8=5 (rtd)
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