Tzu Ying needs to fight her inner demons
Tzu Ying would like to end her career with a major crown but she will have to first beat herself.
Yesterday, the 25-year-old clinched her third consecutive Malaysia Open women’s singles crown when she notched a 21-16, 21-19 win over Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi in the final at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The World No 1 now joins an elite few who have won the Malaysia Open three times in a row, which include China’s Zhang Ning (2004-06) and Indonesia’s Susi Susanti (1993-95).
Earlier this week, the reigning Asian Games gold medallist confirmed that she will call it quits after next year’s Tokyo Olympics, but would like to land a major title before she does.
“My biggest enemy is actually myself, and that is probably why I haven’t been able to land a major title yet.
“I still have time before the World Championships (August) this year, so I will work on myself and try to come good,” said Tzu Ying, who believes it has a lot to do with her style of play.
Tzu Ying, who also won the Malaysia Open in 2013, will play Zhang Beiwen of the United States in the first round of
RESULTS (All Finals) — Men’s singles:
Lin Dan (Chn) bt Chen Long (Chn) 9-21, 21-17, 21-11;
Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen (Chn) bt Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda (Jpn) 21-12, 21-17; Tai Tzu Ying (Tai) bt Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn) 21-16, 21-19;
Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan (Chn) bt Du Yue-Li Yinhui (Chn) 21-14, 21-15;
Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong (Chn) bt Wang Yilyu-Huang Dongping (Chn) 21-17, 21-13.