Badminton: Zilberman Shrugs Off Pressure, Targets Fourth Lagos Title

Israeli badminton star Misha Zilberman says he is under no pressure to win a fourth Lagos International Badminton Classics title, despite his impressive record at the tournament.

The three-time champion booked his place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing championship in Lagos on Thursday and said his priority was to enjoy the competition while giving his best against an increasingly stronger younger generation.

Zilberman, who has competed in about four previous editions of the tournament, praised the organisers for improving the playing conditions, particularly the expanded court area.

“Coming back to Nigeria gives me good memories. I like it here, and I’m playing here this year in a bigger area,” he said.

“The space is very big and I think that’s very good for the players. The weather is good here, not so hot, and the quality of the badminton. I enjoy it.

“I like this place, the tournament. I think the organisation is very good. They are doing their best to take care of the quality.”

Zilberman won his first Nigerian title in 2014, defeating Austria’s Luka Wraber 2-0 (21-15, 21-12) at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

He returned as defending champion the following year but suffered a shock round-of-32 defeat to Nigeria’s Ifraimu Janikam, who was ranked 511th at the time.

The Israeli returned in 2017 alongside his mother, Svetlana, with the pair winning the mixed doubles title after defeating Portugal’s Duarte Anjo and Sofia Setim 20-22, 21-16, 21-7 at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall.

He claimed his third Lagos title in 2018, defeating Malaysia’s Misbun Ramdan Mohmed Misbun 2-1 in the men’s singles final.

Despite his previous success, Zilberman said age has made competition tougher, particularly against younger opponents.

“Every time I come here, I know that I’m getting older and it’s hard to fight with the young players.

“But still, I come here and I really enjoy playing in this tournament.”

The 2022 European Games bronze medallist insisted, however, that he had not travelled to Lagos merely to participate.

“I’m not coming here just to participate, but it will be tough, which I think is natural now that I am getting older,” he said.

Zilberman acknowledged the growing quality of younger players but vowed to remain competitive.

“Each generation becomes stronger and stronger. I’m here and I will do my best. Hopefully, I can play my best game.”

While winning remains his objective, he said he would readily accept defeat if an opponent proved better on the day.

“My main goal and intention is to win and if I eventually do, I will be happy.

“If not, I’m also happy that someone played better than me and beat me.”

And despite being a three-time champion, Zilberman dismissed suggestions that he is under extra pressure to add another title.

“I am not under any pressure. The younger ones should be under pressure. I’m just enjoying it here,” he said.

Zilberman will face his quarter-final opponent on Friday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.