Iskandar: Misbun motivates players

KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s singles coach Misbun Sidek has been taking a different approach in motivating and preparing his shuttlers for the Thomas Cup in Bangkok on May 20-27.

Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, who will play third singles for Malaysia in the Thomas Cup, has gained from it.

“I am comfortable with Misbun as he motivates me in training. We will have heart-to-heart talks about my game and this has given me more confidence.

“It is not easy playing third singles as the pressure will be intense especially when results are tied at 2-2. He also speaks to other shuttlers regularly,” said Iskandar.

Others picked for the Bangkok assignment are Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia and last year’s Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao along with Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Aaron Chia-Wooi Yik and Teo Ee Yi-Arif Latif.

“We have a good mix of seniors and juniors, and I believe this will be our strong point in the Thomas Cup,” he added.