KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysia national champion Misbun Ramdan Misbun is one game away to be eligible to play in the Thomas Cup Finals, when his first opponent Zulfadli Zulkiffli failed to show up for the second selection trial at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara on Monday.
Ramdan will take on Goh Soon Huat on Tuesday and the winner will be the fourth member of the singles squad to the Thomas Cup Finals in New Delhi from May 18-25, together with Lee Chong Wei, Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren.
In the first selection trial last month, the 24-year-old Goh Soon Huat shuttler came out tops after beating former internationals Tan Chun Seang and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif. Ramdan and Zulkiffli did not participate in that selection trial as they were not feeling well.
Unfortunately the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have decided to call for a second trial to accommodate former national champion Misbun Ramdan Misbun and former world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli.
“When I was notified about the second trial, I was disappointed. I guess they didn’t think I am good enough. It is what it is, I will prepare myself and looking forward to the game against Ramdan on Tuesday to win a ticket to the Finals, “said Soon Huat.
“I went for the last Thomas Cup Finals (in Wuhan in 2012) as a sparring partner. I want to be an official member of the team this time.” added Soon Huat.
Ramdan however, showed respect to his opponent, saying: “I have beaten Soon Huat once at the Malaysian Open (qualifying tournament in January) but it was a really close match. I won 24-22, 22-20 and I expect another tough match on Tuesday.”
