KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek has urged the national shuttlers to end the nation's title drought at the Malaysia Open in Bukit Jalil on Jan 7-12.
Rashid, a bronze medalist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, believes recent impressive performances give Malaysia hope of winning titles at the prestigious Super 1000 tournament.
The nation's last triumph at the Malaysia Open came in 2018 when former world No. 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei clinched his 12th men's singles title.
"I hope this time we can produce a champion, whether in the singles or doubles events. What matters most is having a Malaysian emerge victorious," Rashid told Timesport today.
"I urge the players to prepare thoroughly and deliver their best performances at the Malaysia Open."
Rashid singled out several contenders, including professional men's singles star Lee Zii Jia, men's doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei and mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
Izzuddin-Sze Fei and Tang Jie-Ee Wei recently finished runners-up at the BWF World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou, China.
World No. 6 Aaron-Wooi Yik, who won their second Olympic bronze in Paris, also claimed the Korea Masters title in November.
World No. 3 Izzuddin-Sze Fei had an exceptional year, winning three World Tour titles — the Japan Open, China Open and Arctic Open.
"As for Zii Jia, I'm unsure whether he has fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained at the WTF. If he's fit to compete, he has the potential to challenge for the title.
"Before withdrawing in Hangzhou, he displayed strong performances.
"Izzuddin-Sze Fei also stand a good chance. Competing as professionals has lessened the pressure on them.
"They're now fully responsible for their results. Hopefully, they can carry the momentum from the WTF."
Rashid believes Tang Jie-Ee Wei are also feeling confident after finishing runners-up at the WTF.
"For Aaron-Wooi Yik, this home tournament will serve as a platform to achieve another milestone after becoming world champions and clinching two Olympic bronze medals."
The Malaysia Open, the first tournament of the 2025 season, will offer a total prize pool of US$1.45 million (RM6.48 million).
The singles champion will pocket US$101,500 (RM453,628), while the doubles champions will take home US$107,300 (RM479,598).