HYDERABAD: Mom is the word at the Badminton World Championship this year for Misha Zilberman. And son is what Svetlana Zilberman will swear by when this Israeli duo begins its mixed doubles campaign in Hyderabad.
There have been instances of siblings and couples pairing in tournaments, but this unique mother-son partnership will probably be a first on a world stage.
The Zilbermans, ranked 107 in the world, form the two-member Israeli squad.
Misha will also feature in the men’s singles. His first round opponent is two-time World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Lin Dan.
“It is a tough match,” said Misha, 19. In the mixed doubles first round, the Zilbermans meet 11th seeds Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg of England. “It’s a tough match,” said Svetlana, 45.
The expectations are realistic, but the duo is happy at making it to the Worlds. “We never expected to qualify.
But we got a chance and we are here. I’m happy to be in my first-ever World Championship but not happy with the draw,” said Misha. It’s also the first Worlds for Svetlana. She represented the erstwhile Soviet Union in Uber Cup.
But how did this pair come together and become fairly successful? “My mother was a good singles and doubles player during her career. As I came closer to the game, I lacked a good sparring partner.
This is when my mother stepped on to the court for the second time after retirement.
She has been of great help,” said Misha. Svetlana said she was forced to come out of retirement because of the dearth of good girls doubles players. From 2005 on, they have been playing together.
Misha said his mother scolded him when he made mistakes on the court. “On court, she is my coach and at home she is my mother, very caring.” Svetlana said she had a very good understanding with her son. “He is able to learn from mistakes and we jell very well on the court.
He does all the running from the back court,” she said.