KUNSHAN: Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin enjoyed a memorable Thomas Cup debut, clinching Malaysia’s winning point in the 5-0 whitewash of Germany at the Kunshan Sports Centre Gymnasium.
With the second win in the bag after having beaten England 4-1 in the opening Group C clash on Sunday, Malaysia are now assured of a quarter-final berth.
World No. 2 Lee Chong Wei gave Malaysia the lead by beating Kai Schaeffer 21-19, 21-15 in the first singles. Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong then made it 2-0 by whipping Richard Domke-Fabian Holzer 21-12, 21-11 in the first doubles.
Playing in the second singles, world No. 36 Iskandar did not disappoint. He took only 32 minutes to blow away Lars Schaenzler 21-7, 21-16.
The 24-year-old Iskandar did not make the team two years ago when Malaysia finished runners-up in New Delhi. He, however, travelled with the team as a sparring partner.
Now, Iskandar looks set to be the No. 2 when Malaysia face South Korea in their last group match on Tuesday.
Goh Soon Huat is unlikely to be fielded. He was unimpressive against England on Sunday, struggling to beat Alex Lane 21-15, 19-21, 21-13.
Iskandar is relishing the prospect of another outing.
“The match against South Korea will decide who wins the group. Our objective is to be group champion. I am ready if called upon.
“I look up to seniors like Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong. I don’t want to disappoint them,” said Iskandar.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who stumbled in Malaysia’s opener against England on Sunday, made amends by beating Mark Lamsfuss-Josche Zurwonne 21-15, 21-10 on Monday. Chong Wei Feng completed the rout with a 21-9, 21-18 win over David Peng.
“The end result is important tomorrow. I will do my best to give Malaysia the first point,” vowed skipper Chong Wei.
In New Delhi, Malaysia also clashed with South Korea in the group stage. Malaysia won 3-2 to top the group. They went all the way to the final before losing 2-3 to Japan.
