Su Na or later, Kisona will make her name on world stage

PETALING JAYA: Do not be surprised if singles shuttler S. Kisona (pic)responds to the name Ji Su Na.

“That’s my Chinese name. It was given to me by my Chinese primary school teacher when I studied at SJK (C) Ma Hwa (in Kampung Baru Rasah, Seremban, Negri Sembilan).

“Now, most of my teammates in the national team also call me Ji Su Na. It’s quite funny,” said the 19-year-old, who speaks fluent Mandarin.

Whether it’s Kisona or Ji Su Na, the youngster has one aim: to make a name for herself in the world of badminton.

So far, she seems to be on the right track.

Kisona has won two titles this year – the Victor International Series in May and the Malaysia International Series in July.

She hopes to make it a hattrick at the ongoing Celcom Axiata Malaysian International Challenge at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Stadium in Johor Baru.

The world No. 113 has been drawn to meet Asuka Takahashi of Japan today.

“I’ve not set a target in this last tournament of the year but I’m feeling quite confident,” said Kisona.

“I’ve worked hard after playing below par in the last two tournaments. Hopefully, I can end the year with a positive outcome.”

She failed to clear the early rounds of the Vietnam Open and the Indonesian International Challenge in September.

Kisona is ranked seventh in the national team after Soniia Cheah (28th), Goh Jin Wei (44th), Lee Ying Ying (53rd), Ho Yen Mei (72nd), Lim Yin Fun (86th) and Yap Rui Chen (92nd).

The talented Kisona could have progressed even faster if not for a knee injury that forced her to take a long break in 2014.

She only returned to action last year before making it to the senior team this January.

She marked her return by winning the first leg of the National Under-21 Championships in Penang in May.

The other Malaysian women’s singles players competing in Johor today are Yen Mei, Yin Fun, M. Thinaah, Yap Yee and N. Saranya.