On the rise: Singapore men’s singles shuttler Jason Teh and India’s Ayush Shetty (inset) showing steady progress. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: A new wave of men’s singles players has already caught the eye of legendary coach Datuk Misbun Sidek and their rise is set to put Malaysia’s shuttlers on alert.
The former national coach has been quietly studying emerging talents around the world, and two towering figures have stood out – Singapore’s Jason Teh and India’s Ayush Shetty.
Six-footer Jason, 25, stamped his mark by winning the Korean Masters yesterday – his second Super 300 title of the season after the Thailand Masters.
Meanwhile, Ayush, who stands at 6ft 4in, has been touted as the next big thing from India after capturing his first senior crown at the US Open earlier this year.
A bronze medallist at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Spokane, the 20-year-old has drawn comparisons to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen for his explosive attacking play.
Misbun also highlighted Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan, who beat Malaysia’s Justin Hoh to win the Macau Open this year, as well as France’s Popov brothers – Christo and Toma Junior, and Alex Lanier for bringing flair and aggression to the world stage.
“This is the post-Olympic year, besides the existing top players from China and other top countries, we’re seeing new names emerging fast from India, Indonesia, Taiwan and Europe,” said Misbun, who continues to coach at his own academy in Ampang since leaving BAM two years ago.
“Jason and Ayush have the height and attacking edge, Alwi is snapping at the heels of the top guns, and the French boys are making Asian players sweat.
“Their coaches have polished their game and you can see the confidence in their play.”
He added that European players enjoy the advantage of more tournaments to hone their skills and sharpen consistency.
In contrast, Malaysia’s men’s singles players seem to have stalled.
Leong Jun Hao remains the country’s highest-ranked player at world No. 22, and while he has upset several top names this year, a title still eludes him.
Others trailing behind include Justin Hoh (No. 37), Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 47) and Lee Zii Jia (No. 63).
Paris Olympic Games bronze medallist Zii Jia’s form has dipped due to injuries and mental struggles.
“It’s unfair for me to comment on Zii Jia’s condition as I’ve coached him before and I know his potential, but he seems stuck,” said Misbun.
“I hope he finds his way out of that zone, and I hope the others do too. Coaches and players must discover that extra spark to stay competitive.”
Misbun said nurturing champions requires more than skill as it takes chemistry and personal touch between coach and player.
He cited Axelsen as an example of resilience.
“It hasn’t been an ideal year for him, but he took a break to recover and came back fighting.
“When he reached the Denmark Open semi-finals recently, he broke down in tears – that shows his hunger and passion.
“Every player faces low points, but how they rise again is what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary.”
With 2025 nearing its end, Misbun hopes Malaysia’s singles players can shake off a quiet season and find their spark again.
“It’s time for them to rise and bring the excitement back to Malaysian men’s singles,” he added.
