KUALA LUMPUR: Last July, back-up singles shuttler Tan Chun Seang was banned for two years from international tournaments in Asia for walking out on the national team.

On Sunday though, he showed that the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)’s harsh decision had done nothing to dampen his spirit when he nailed the men’s singles title in the Peru International Open in Lima with a 21-15, 21-11 win over Osleni Guerrero of Cuba.

It was his first title after leaving BAM.

The tournament attracted the participation of world No. 24 Kevin Cordon of Guatemala but the top seed was beaten by Sattawat Pongnairat of the United States in the second round. Guerrero, however, ended the gallant run of the American in the semi-finals before bowing out to the Apacs-sponsored Chun Seang, who is currently based in Germany where he plays for the PTSV Rosenheim club in the league.

The left-handed Chun Seang was touted as a potential successor to world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei by national singles chief coach Rashid Sidek for his bravery on court and good attacking skills but knee injuries hampered his progress.

Chun Seang was ranked 165th in the world when he left the BAM but the 25-year-old is now ranked 80th and may further improve his standing when he competes in the Tahiti French Polynesia International Challenge in Punaauia, Tahiti, starting on Thursday.

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