Independent shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli is the only Malaysian singles player remaining at the ongoing Malaysia Open, after defeating Indonesia’s Fikri Ihsandi Hamadi in the qualifiers.
The US-born Malaysian took 57 minutes to wrap up a 23-21, 21-14 victory, allowing him to set-up a first round clash against China’s Tian Houwei.
The victory also means that Zulfadli rescued Malaysia from being embarrassed as they were on the verge of not having a main draw representative for the first time in 78 years.
Other names like Chong Wei Feng, Liew Daren, Goh Soon Huat, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Chiang Jiann Shiarng, all failed to progress past the qualifying round, it what is already a frustrating start for the Malaysian badminton contingent.
This news also comes after national singles coach Rashid Sidek announced his decision to depart BAM after this tournament. He submitted his resignation last Monday.
Photo Credits: Sinar Harian
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