JIN WEI HARDLY BROKE SWEAT IN ALLALL-ENGLAND DEBUT

Jin Wei handed easy second round passage after China’s Bingjiao concedes walkover

PETALING JAYA: It was not how Goh Jin Wei (pic) had pictured her first-ever win at the All-England to be but she was not complaining.

Yesterday, the 17-year-old hardly broke a sweat to check into the women’s singles second round when her higher-ranked opponent He Bingjiao of China conceded a walkover after trailing 1-6 at Arena Birmingham.

Bingjiao decided to stop play just two minutes into the game due to a wrist injury and handed the opening round win to Jin Wei.

The Malaysian will play the winner of the match between Aya Ohori of Japan and Sung Ji-hyun of South Korea for a place in the quarter-finals.

Jin Wei couldn’t stop gushing about her first All-England experience.

“It’s surely different from any other tournament that I’ve competed in. It’s grand and the whole environment is different,” said Jin Wei.

“I’m just enjoying the experience here. It’s unfortunate that my opponent got injured but I’m expecting a stronger challenge in the next round.”

National singles head coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock does not want Jin Wei to lose focus after a lucky start.

“Bingjiao’s injury is a blessing for Jin Wei but there is no reason to celebrate,” said Seu Bock.

“I want Jin Wei to stay focused. She is not tested yet and I hope she will be able to showcase her talent in the second round.”

Meanwhile, K. Srikanth of India came close to a shocking defeat but managed to navigate his way out of trouble by beating Brice Leverdez of France 7-21, 21-14, 22-20 in the first round yesterday.