Ladies’ singles need lift

IF Indra Wijaya can do it with Lee Zii Jia, he can surely do the same to help the women’s singles players.

However, the Indonesian-born coach will need some time with the current batch of shuttlers.

Yesterday, Indra told Timesport that the players will need to work extra hard if they hope to be world-beaters following a poor outing in Europe.

Among the players under his charge are reigning Sea Games champion S. Kisona, two-time world junior champion Goh Jin Wei, Lee Ying Ying and Eoon Qi Xuan.

Kisona was knocked out in the first round of the All England earlier this month. As a result, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) withdrew her from the Orleans Masters.

Ying Ying was also below par, crashing out in the first round of the Orleans Masters after losing 21-6, 21-9 to Iris Wang of the United States.

Jin Wei, who played in her first international tournament after 13 months out due to a stomach ailment, was Malaysia's best performer, but she too crashed out in the quarter-finals in France.

Yesterday, Qi Xuan’s impressive run also ended in the last eight of the Polish Open.

“Apart from Jin Wei, I am disappointed with everyone else.

“Let’s look at Kisona first. She was lucky to have qualified for three Super 1000 events because of the pandemic.

“And yes, she is not at that standard yet, but I would have still expected her to give her best.

“Ying Ying was also the same. To lose to Iris in that fashion is not acceptable. There must be more effort.

“Jin Wei is the only one who did well in Europe. Considering she hasn’t played in any tournament since her operation in 2019. I am satisfied with her performances. However, Jin Wei will need some time to reach her top form.

“Qi Xuan was also okay, but I would have expected her to play better. She should have won the match,” Indra said after her 18-21, 21-19, 21-17 defeat to Kristin Kuuba of Estonia.

Indra, who was pivotal in the development of All England champion Zii Jia, said he has yet to plan the tournament programme for the players.

“They are all still in quarantine, and we will only start training next month. I want to conduct a full evaluation before proceeding,” Indra added.