Misbun Sidek - International Career

International Career

Misbun won his first title on the international circuit at the 1981 German Open. He helped Malaysia's national squad to win the Silver medal at the SEA Games. In the team event, he had the satisfaction of beating Indonesia’s leading player and reigning All England champion Liem Swie King. For his triumphs in badminton, Misbun was named Malaysia's Sportsman of the Year, a feat he repeated two years later.

After defeating Lius Pongoh, Morten Frost, and Prakash Padukone on his way to the final, Misbun suffered a disappointment at the Badminton World Cup by failing to clinch the title from a 10-1 third set lead over Liem Swie King. In addition to the world cup runner-up, Misbun also won the Swedish Open, and maintain the national championship in 1982.

In 1983, Misbun won three tournaments on the international circuit, defending his Swedish Open title in a tight final round duel with Morten Frost, and capturing his second German Open and the Canadian Open. He also placed third in the World Badminton Grand Prix finals. In the World Cup, he lost in the semifinals of the Indonesian players, Hastomo but the real unique look to attract the attention of fans thronged the National Stadium.

Talent, looks and charisma. Misbun also has the attention of the international community. On October 7, Misbun made history as the first player and second Southeast Asia after the Asian champions India, Prakash Pradukone turned pro at the International Management Group (IMG). Recognition is a stunning because Misbun is now on par with other international stars under IMG such as Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Sebastian Coe and Alberto Salazar.

Year 1984 saw a surprise when Sidek took the decision to perform the hajj in Mecca at the age of 24 years old. Later in the same month, Misbun got back on track to represent Malaysia at the Canadian Open.

On January 1985, history was created again in the Sidek family. This time, they became the largest family in the tournament to represent the country abroad. Misbun, Razif, Jalani, Rahman and Rashid were all simultaneously selected the first time playing on the international stage together at the Hong Kong Open.

In 1986, Misbun reached the final of the prestigious All-England Championships for the only time in his career but was beaten comprehensively by Morten Frost. He also made a strong bid to defend his Malaysia Open title but was beaten in the final by Zhao Jianhua in two close games.

Misbun's last two titles on the international circuit all came in 1987 with victories at the Chinese Taipei Open (over doubles great Park Joo Bong) and the Singapore Open (over Eddy Kurniawan).

However, in 1988, Misbun's last full year at the top level of badminton was rather special to him because he played on a Malaysia Thomas Cup team which defeated their traditional rival Indonesia for the first time in 21 years before losing the final to powerhouse China. A year later, Misbun decided to retire at the age of 29.