SBOTOP Kisona Advances with Conviction: Malaysian Shuttler Marches into Hylo Open Second Round

For Malaysian badminton fans, few sights bring as much satisfaction as watching one of their own stride confidently across the international stage. This week, it was Kisona Selvaduray who carried the nation’s hopes — and she did not disappoint. With a poised and determined performance, the Negri Sembilan-born shuttler advanced to the second round of the Hylo Open, a tournament held in Saarbrücken, Germany, marking another crucial step in her comeback journey.

Kisona’s progression wasn’t just a simple win on paper. It was a powerful statement — an affirmation that Malaysia’s women’s singles discipline, often overshadowed in recent years, is regaining its competitive edge. The victory also highlighted Kisona’s personal resilience, tactical evolution, and the growing maturity of her game under the guidance of coach Iskandar Zulkarnain, who has been spearheading the revival of Malaysia’s women’s singles squad.

This is the story of not just a single match, but a transformation — of a player, a department, and perhaps even the future direction of Malaysian badminton.

A Confident Beginning in Saarbrücken

The Hylo Open, part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 300 series, has long been a testing ground for rising talents and resurgent veterans. Despite not being among the highest-tier tournaments like the All England or Indonesia Open, it offers vital ranking points and a chance for players to gauge their readiness against international opponents.

Kisona entered the tournament with quiet determination. Her first-round opponent, a tough European shuttler known for her defensive stability, was not an easy hurdle. Yet from the opening serve, Kisona looked sharp, calm, and in control — her footwork crisp, her shot selection intelligent.

She took the first game decisively, using her trademark net play to dictate rallies. Her drops were tight, her pushes were deep, and she varied the tempo beautifully, forcing her opponent into uncomfortable positions. The second game tested her composure, as the European player fought back with more aggressive smashes and longer rallies. But Kisona’s patience and newfound mental resilience saw her through.

When the final shuttle hit the floor in her favor, Kisona raised her fist — not in exuberance, but in quiet satisfaction. The victory secured her a place in the second round, and more importantly, reaffirmed that her confidence is returning.

Rebuilding Confidence After a Period of Uncertainty

For Kisona, the road to this point has not been straightforward. Once hailed as one of Malaysia’s brightest women’s singles prospects, her career has faced ups and downs — from injury setbacks to periods of inconsistent form that threatened to derail her progress. After winning the gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, Kisona seemed poised for a breakthrough on the global stage. Her graceful movement, deceptive shots, and calm demeanor on court made her a promising figure in Malaysian badminton’s next generation. But injuries soon interrupted her rhythm, and when she returned to the circuit, the game itself had evolved — faster, more physical, and mentally demanding.

Her form fluctuated. Critics questioned whether she could adapt to the new pace of the international game. Yet those close to her — including her coaches — knew that Kisona’s strength had always been her persistence. She never allowed temporary setbacks to define her.

“Every player goes through tough phases,” she once said in an interview. “But what matters is how you rebuild. I had to start from the basics again, relearn how to enjoy the game, and trust myself on court.”

That trust, it seems, is returning — match by match.

The Influence of Iskandar Zulkarnain

Much of Kisona’s resurgence can be credited to the revamped training environment under coach Iskandar Zulkarnain, who now heads Malaysia’s women’s singles department. Iskandar, a former men’s singles international, has brought a new energy and tactical mindset to the squad — one centered on developing what he calls “dangerous weapons.”

For players like Kisona, that philosophy has been transformative. Iskandar has emphasized attacking intent, mental resilience, and individuality — encouraging each player to develop a signature weapon that distinguishes her on the world stage.

In Kisona’s case, that weapon has become her front-court deception and counterattack timing. She has an uncanny ability to disguise her shots at the net, drawing opponents forward before flicking the shuttle over their heads with precision. Combined with her improved stamina and sharper anticipation, this has turned her into a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent.

Iskandar’s influence extends beyond technical refinement. His focus on mental conditioning — handling pressure, resetting after errors, and maintaining composure during long rallies — has helped Kisona rediscover her confidence.

“She’s starting to play with more conviction,” Iskandar commented recently. “It’s not just about winning points, but about believing she can control matches. That’s what separates good players from great ones.”

Adapting to Modern Women’s Singles

The global women’s singles landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Players like An Se-young, Akane Yamaguchi, Chen Yufei, and Carolina Marin have redefined the tempo and physical demands of the discipline. Matches are no longer just about consistency — they’re about speed, power, and the ability to switch tactics seamlessly.

For Kisona to compete among this new generation, she needed to adapt. Her training now emphasizes not just endurance, but explosive agility — the ability to lunge, recover, and counterattack within split seconds.

Strength training, plyometric routines, and core stabilization exercises have become integral parts of her weekly schedule. The difference is visible: her movements are more compact, her recovery between shots faster, and her attacking play more decisive.

At the Hylo Open, this transformation was evident in her first-round performance. Against a physically imposing opponent, Kisona no longer appeared overpowered. Instead, she controlled the rallies through variation — mixing clears, drops, and deceptive flicks — forcing her rival to chase the shuttle rather than dictate the play.

This adaptability reflects not just physical preparation, but a mental shift: Kisona is learning to play smarter, not just harder.

Lessons from the Past The 2019 SEA Games Gold

To understand Kisona’s current drive, one must revisit the moment that first placed her in the national spotlight: her stunning victory at the 2019 SEA Games. That gold medal was more than a personal achievement — it symbolized the potential of Malaysia’s women’s singles department at a time when it desperately needed a beacon of hope.

Her composure during that tournament, especially in pressure moments, revealed her temperament. She was patient but assertive, elegant yet deadly in execution. Those qualities remain, but she now combines them with a deeper tactical awareness.

“I used to rely on my natural style,” she said later. “Now I understand that every point is a chess move. You must think two steps ahead.”

The maturity in that statement captures her evolution — from a player driven by instinct to one guided by strategic intelligence.