SHAH ALAM – Following their victorious opening group match against the United Arab Emirates at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) this morning, independent women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei insisted on the necessity for her team to proceed with caution.
In preparation for their coming encounter against tournament third-seeds Thailand, Jin Wei stressed the importance of adopting an underdog mentality.
The 24-year-old, who had trained with her teammates at Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara since early this month, was the first to take to the court against the UAE’s Nurani Ratu Azzahra.
Jin Wei’s energetic play gave Malaysia a solid start as she convincingly defeated the world number 129 with a score of 21-13, 21-9 in 29 minutes.
Her winning momentum was continued by the national women’s team as they went on to win the remaining four games and seal a 5-0 win over the UAE, automatically booking their quarter-finals berth.
Jin Wei said that despite her team’s qualification to the next round, the 31st-ranked shuttler hoped that Malaysia would top their group as they braced themselves for the challenge posed by Thailand.
“Our next game presents the biggest challenge yet, as Thailand boast formidable talent. With quality players in their team, we need to be careful.
“We will approach them with an underdog mentality, fighting as if we have nothing to lose,” said Jin Wei when met after her match at the Setia City Convention Centre.
Jin Wei, a Commonwealth (Birmingham 2022) and SEA Games (Kuala Lumpur 2017) gold medalist, views the BATC as a perfect platform for her rise up the world rankings.
“Team events like this are crucial for me to compete against high-ranking opponents so that I can be well prepared for greater challenges in the future.
“I need to win more games to increase my world ranking. The last time I couldn’t play in the tournament and now I’m happy to be a part of it. I have the hunger and desire to give my all for Malaysia.
“The young players from the women’s singles are really good as they have been training really hard to get their best performance.
“I can see that players like K. Letshanaa are also getting fitter and everyone is dedicated to bringing glory for Malaysia, and the energy among the team is brilliant,” Jin Wei added.
Malaysia currently sit second in Group Y behind Thailand, while the UAE have been eliminated after two consecutive defeats.
The Malaysian women’s team will take on Thailand in their second group-stage match tomorrow.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the knockout stages before a fresh draw is conducted for the last eight.
Additionally, the top-four teams from both the men’s and women’s events will qualify for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in China, taking place from April 28 to May 5, 2024. – February 14, 2024