Uber Cup reality check for young Malaysians
women's singles shuttlers still have a long way to go before they can challenge the world's elites.
This was evident in Malaysia's 4-1 defeat to Taiwan in their Uber Cup opening Group B tie yesterday.
Goh Jin Wei, a household name in Malaysia since her junior days, fought bravely at the Hi Tech Zone Sports Centre in Chengdu, and even held game point, but it was not enough to overcome former world No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying.
The Taiwan ace, reportedly struggling with a knee injury, still managed to put her team ahead with a 21-19, 22-20 win.
"What I noticed about the top 10 players (in the world) is that they are very strong mentally.
"They know how to switch things up, especially after the interval.
"This is what I've learned. I tried really hard today," said Jin Wei, who is the only independent player in the Malaysian Uber Cup squad.
Malaysia pulled one back through women's pair Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing, who upset world No. 24 Hsu Ya Ching-Lin Wan Ching 21-19, 21-17.
But after that, the national team were left trailing again.
K. Letshanaa, despite winning the first game, could not follow through in the second singles, succumbing 13-21, 21-17, 21-16 to world No. 27 Hsu Wen Chi.
The Selangor shuttler said: "It was a tough match, but I was really disappointed that I couldn't win it in straight games and deliver a point for the team.
"It's a painful lesson but I must learn to be more consistent with my focus for each point.
"In the second game, I lost focus and gave away easy points. Things like this cannot happen at the higher level."
The young Malaysian team, without the likes of experienced pair Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah, continued to fall further behind.
The tie was ultimately sealed in the second doubles when Ho Lo Ee-Tan Zhing Yi lost 2117, 21-11 to Hu Ling Fang-Teng Chun Hsun.
Taiwan completed the rout when Sung Shuo Yun downed Wong Ling Ching 21-17, 22-20 in the third and final singles match.
Malaysia will play group favourites Thailand next before meeting Australia. Only the top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals.