'Forget about style if you want to win Malaysia Open'

KUALA LUMPUR: If Malaysian shuttlers are to end the long wait for a home champion at the Malaysia Open from Jan 6-11, they must play with the mindset that results matter more than style.

This was stated by badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek who said Malaysians can no longer afford to prioritise attractive play, especially in Super 1000 tournaments, where margins are thin and opponents are relentless.

"What matters is winning, not playing beautifully but losing," said Olympic bronze medallist Rashid when asked about the Malaysia Open challenge awaiting the locals.

"Even if the play doesn't look pretty, as long as you win, that's what counts."

Rashid's comments come as Malaysian shuttlers prepare for the season-opening Super 1000 Malaysia Open, which has drawn big names in the sport.

France's world No. 7 Christo Popov will arrive in Kuala Lumpur with a big reputation, having stunned China's world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in the final of the recent

World Tour Finals.

Rashid pointed to Popov and other rising European players as examples of competitors who may not always play with style, but possess the hunger and belief to win.

Malaysia's main hope in the men's singles rests on Lee Zii Jia, currently ranked world No. 144 after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The former All England champion will make his return against India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty, with the opening round marking their first career meeting.

If Zii Jia gets past Shetty, he could face Yu Qi in the second round, underlining the unforgiving nature of the draw.

Rashid, however, dismissed the focus on potential match-ups, insisting preparation and mentality are the real determinants at this level.

"At Super 1000 tournaments, anyone can beat anyone. If preparation isn't good, it will be difficult in all aspects," he said.

Malaysia's other men's singles representative, world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, opens his campaign against China's world No. 29 Wang Zheng Xing. Victory there could set up a second-round clash with Indonesia's world No. 4 Jonatan Christie.

Malaysia has not celebrated a men's singles champion at the Malaysia Open since Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei lifted the title in 2018, and Rashid warned that the drought will not end unless players show greater resilience.

"In sports, winning and losing are part of the game. But if you lose, lose with dignity. Fight hard. That's what people want to see," he said.