KUALA LUMPUR: National women's singles S. Kisona can finally bury her past after clinching the Spanish International title on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Kisona, who came under heavy criticism for her poor start to the season, silenced her critics when she upstaged compatriot Goh Jin Wei 21-14, 21-19 in the final in La Nucia.
The title is also Kisona's first since her Sea Games triumph in 2019.
Prior to the Spanish meet, Kisona revealed that her mental health had taken a beating after the All England in March.
Following her first-round defeat, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) withdrew her from the Orleans Masters to focus on building up her confidence again.
Kisona had earlier qualified for the Asian Leg of the World Tour in January, but made very little headway against some of the sport's biggest names.
Kisona was not the only winner in Spain, as Jin Wei should also be applauded for her fine performance throughout the week, which saw her finally coming out of her rut, especially after her colectomy surgery in 2019.
In the mixed doubles final, scratch pair Tee Kai Wun-Teoh Mei Xing pulled off a 21-15, 13-21, 21-19 upset over third seeds Callum Hemming-Jessica Pugh of England to win their maiden title.