Back with a purpose
Rejuvenated Jin Wei aims to emulate doubles ace Qingchen’s tenacity
KUALA LUMPUR: A refreshed Goh Jin Wei is pumped up to make a strong start to the New Year.
The 17-year-old shuttler went on holiday to China and hooked up with China’s top doubles player Chen Qingchen in Xiamen, Fujian last week.
“I’ve known Qingchen for three years now. I was there during the China Super League where she took part,” said Jin Wei.
The 20-year-old Qingchen from Guangdong forms the world No. 1 partnership with Jia Yifan.
“She’s passionate about her sport. I like her attitude on court ... she’s a fighter and I want to play just like her.”
And Jin Wei is now highly motivated to face a hectic month in January.
The Kuala Lumpur SEA Games champion will take part in three back-to-back tournaments starting with the Thailand Masters in Bangkok (Jan 9-14), Malaysian Masters in Kuala Lumpur (Jan 16-21) and the Indonesian Masters in Jakarta from Jan 23-28.
“I’m now fitter than before. I’ll be able to handle three tournaments. Trust me, I won’t suffer cramps like I used to. I’ve put a lot of focus on my physical training,” she said.
The world No. 50 Jin Wei is determined to climb up the world ranking at the three Opens as she wants to break into the top 32 and make her debut at the All- England in Birmingham (March 14-18).
“My world ranking has dropped in 2017 so I need to push hard so that I can play in all the major tournaments.”
Jin Wei will also be out to make amends at the Malaysian Masters. Last year, she suffered a foot injury at her home event which saw her being sidelined for a few months.
“It’ll be a competitive tournament as world No. 1 Tai Tzu-ying (Taiwan) has confirmed participation. Hopefully, I can go far,” she added.