National GP Finals: Another Sidek steps up

MISBUN Ramdan Misbun has lived up to the Sidek family tradition when he succeeded 10-time winner Lee Chong Wei as the new national men's singles champion.
In the National Grand Prix Finals in Alor Star yesterday, Ramdan, 21, rallied from a game down to overcome World No 21 Chong Wei Feng 13-21, 21-18, 21-18 in 55 minutes to emulate his father, Misbun, and uncle Rashid's feats.
Misbun had won six national singles titles while Rashid was a four-time national champion.
It didn't stop there for the Sideks as Ramdan's two other uncles, Razif and Jalani, had won the national doubles crown for nine consecutive times.
Ramdan has already shown his potential by reaching the semi-finals last year where he lost to Chong Wei.
It was not smooth-sailing for Ramdan in Alor Star where he was on the verge of an early exit after losing to fellow back-up player Nur Azryn Ayup but recovered in brilliant fashion by overcoming World No 16 and favourite Liew Daren to reach the last four.
This was followed by an emphatic win over World and Asian junior champion Zulfadli Zulkifli in the last four before notching the scalp of Wei Feng.
Ramdan's victory is certain to boost his confidence and should help him improve his results on the international stage where he had mediocre performances this year.
Chong Wei, who stopped competing in the local circuit to give the youngsters a chance to excel, has urged Ramdan to use it as as a stepping stone to become an established international player.
"Ramdan's success is a great boost for his confidence. I started progressing fast after winning my first title (in 2003) and I hope Ramdan can achieve his true potential and become a quality international player," said Chong Wei.
"He has been struggling in the last few tournaments but it happens to any player but his victory today (yesterday) should change that.
"Wei Feng tried but Ramdan had shown that he has great potential by beating more experienced players.
"As for Daren, I hope that this is a lesson for him as he cannot say international events are more important.
"All the players must also treat the local tournaments seriously and give their best."
Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How also won their first national men's doubles crown when they defeated back-up pair Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kah Ming 21-14, 21-15 in 31 minutes.
It was a fitting end to the year for Wee Kiong-Thien How who have also earned their highest world ranking of No 10 two weeks ago after toiling hard in tournaments for the last 12 months.
Results - (All Finals) Men's Singles: Misbun Ramdan Misbun (Sel) bt Chong Wei Feng (Ked) 13-21, 21-18, 21-18.
Doubles: Tan Wee Kiong-Hoon Thien How (Joh-KL) bt Ow Yao Han-Chooi Kah Ming (Mal-Pah) 21-14, 21-15.
Women's Singles: Tee Jing Yi (Pg) bt Lydia Cheah (KL) 21-18, 23-21.
Mixed Doubles: Goh V Shem-Song Fie Cho (KL-Sab) bt Lim Khim Wah-Vivian Hoo (Ked-KL) 21-18, 7-21, 21-19.
Courtesy of New Straits Times