Soniia determined to put European failures behind her
PETALING JAYA: Women’s singles shuttler Soniia Cheah is keen to lift her game after being a flop during the recent German Open and AllEngland championships.
The 24yearold, who was crowned national champion earlier this month, couldn’t raise her game as she crashed out in the first round of both European tournaments.
The AllEngland defeat was a bitter blow as she took the first game against Indonesia’s Fitriani Fitriani and led 1813 in the second only to lose 2116, 1821, 921.
The world No. 27 is, however, determined to put the setback behind her as she looks to win a medal against a strong field at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next month.
“It’s obvious that my performance in Germany and England was below par. I played well under expectations,” admitted Soniia.
“I think my patience let me down, especially at the AllEngland. I was too eager to win and I just went blank during the crucial stages.
“In the end I just tried too hard and my confidence slipped after the second game.
“It’s a tough defeat to take but I’m going back to the basics as I’m working with the coaches to lift my performance for the Commonwealth Games.
“I’m looking to win a medal ... regardless of the colour. But it’s really not an easy task.
“There are quite a few top 20 players in the fray and the challenge will come from India, Canada and Scotland. I definitely need to work harder in these last two weeks,” added Soniia.
India’s world No. 3 P.V Sindhu and world No. 12 Saina Nehwal are expected to be the clear favourites for the gold medal.
Besides the duo, there is also defending champion Michelle Li of Canada while Scotland’s world No. 17 Kirsty Gilmour, who is coached by former Malaysian coach Wong Tat Meng, will also be strong contenders.
Besides the singles event, Soniia will also have double duty at the Games.
She is down to partner mixed doubles shuttler Shevon Lai Jemie for women’s doubles as the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) only named one pair Vivian HooChow Mei Kuan in the squad.