Make or break for Soniia

SONIIA Cheah will quit if she fails in her mission to qualify for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

The World No 34, who has been with the national setup since 13, has gone through ups and downs in her career mainly with injuries over the last five years.

The 26-year-old said: “It’s not getting any easier for me considering the women’s singles event has become very competitive.

“I want to end my career on a high by winning a major title at least or qualify for the Olympics.

“It’s a do-or-die mission, but that is my target. If I do not qualify for the Olympics, I will stop.”

Despite all that, Soniia has got no intention of putting herself under any pressure.

In fact, the Kuala Lumpur-born is looking forward to an enjoyable final lap beginning with the National Championships that starts tomorrow in Ipoh.

“I want to enjoy myself, but I also want to fight hard to defend the title I had won last year.

“It won’t be easy because my teammates are also hoping to win it. I will do my best to retain the crown,” added Soniia, who defeated S. Kisona in last year’s final.

On whether Malaysia were relying too much on two-time world junior champion Goh Jin Wei to bring honours for the country, Soniia said: “Jin Wei is a talented player, and she has age on her side.

“The others in the squad are also good. Nobody is the same and I believe everyone has got something to offer.”

After the National Championships, Soniia along with Jin Wei will compete at the German Open on Feb 26-Mar 3and the All England on Mar 6-10.