Jin Wei ends jinx without breaking into a sweat

KUALA LUMPUR: Goh Jin Wei has finally broken her jinx against Tee Jing Yi – albeit by default.

The much anticipated final between the nation’s top two women shuttler at the Celcom Axiata National Circuit first leg at Juara Stadium yesterday turned out to be an anti-climax.

The contest lasted only five minutes after Jing Yi retired at the interval of the opening game.

Jing Yi, who trailed the 16-yearold Jin Wei 2-11, requested for medical assistance during the break before quitting the match and handing Jin Wei her second local title.

“It’s a shame that I won without playing a proper match,” said Jin Wei, who picked up RM4,000.

“I have prepared thoroughly and was really looking forward to a great battle. I didn’t realise she had a problem with her ankle although she did give away a lot of points from unforced errors.

“Hopefully I will get to take her on again soon, maybe in the Kedah Open (in August).

“I’ll still cherish today’s victory because I have settled for runner-ups far too many times.

“It’s a great morale booster ahead of the Australian Open.”

The Australian Open in Sydney (June 7-12) will mark her maiden appearance in a Superseries event.

Jin Wei will meet Commonwealth Games gold medallist Michelle Li of Canada in the first round.

In men’s singles, Chong Wei Feng marked his maiden outing as an independent shuttler with a winning start.

The 28-year-old defeated Goh Giap Chin, who’s also a former international, 21-16, 16-21, 21-15 to walk away with RM8,000.

“Like I said yesterday, it was going to be tough against Giap Chin,” said Wei Feng.

“It was ‘experience versus physical’ battle against a younger and fitter player, so it wasn’t a surprise that the match went until the rubber game. I was struggling with my match fitness as I was a bit tired having just returned from the Thomas Cup.”