Let’s double the fun Jin Wei’s stunning show ends in vain
YOUNGSTER Goh Jin Wei stole the show with a stunning performance, but it all ended in vain as the women’s badminton team had to settle for the silver again after losing 3-1 to Thailand in a four-hour final battle.
But the day belonged to the 17-year-old Jin Wei.
Buoyed by the vociferous home support, she put up one of the most incredible performances of the season to beat world No. 14 Nitchaon Jindapol 22-20, 23-25, 22-20 in a 79-minute match at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Although her efforts proved futile in the end, Jin Wei enjoyed the experience and saluted the crowd for their support.
“I couldn’t let the fans down. They did an awesome job in supporting us. It was a tight match but I kept motivating myself to fight on,” said Jin Wei.
“It has been a season of ups and downs for me.
But today I’m satisfied. I played one of my best matches this season although I injured my ankle.
“I’m proud of the team too. They really played their hearts out although our opponents were the favourites.”
Jin Wei now hopes to recover in time for the individual event starting tomorrow.
“I need to take care of the ankle, have a good rest and come back fresh for the individual competition,” added Jin Wei, who is taking part in the elimination round with Soniia Cheah.
Malaysia also lost to Thailand in Singapore 2015. Then, they went down 0-3.
This time, at least world No. 29 Jin Wei nicked a point following the defeats of Soniia and Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Ho.
National No. 1 Soniia’s hope of giving Malaysia a headstart ended in just 37 minutes when she lost 12-21, 10-21 to world No. 12 Busanan Ongbamrungphan.
Khe Wei-Vivian came within a whisker of putting Malaysia back on an equal footing but went down fighting 21-9, 11-21, 18-21 to Puttita Supajirakul-Sapsiree Taerattanachai in a 75-minute match.
Then came Jin Wei’s heroics. Unfortunately, Chow Mei Kuan- Lee Meng Yean could not keep the momentum going.
They put up a gallant fight before going down 12-21, 21-16, 18-21 to Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai in 71 minutes.