JING YI READY TO STEP OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE
Singles veteran Jing Yi ready to step up in doubles role
PETALING JAYA: Tee Jing Yi is a women’s singles veteran of four Uber Cup Finals.
But the 26-year-old is prepared to step up in a different role as Malaysia seek automatic qualification to the Finals in Bangkok in May.
Jing Yi, who switched from singles to doubles two years ago, was named as a replacement for Lee Meng Yean for the Asia Team Championships that will be held in Alor Setar from Feb 6-11.
Meng Yean, who is ranked No. 16 in the world with Chow Mei Kuan, was dropped from the squad for the Asian meet after suffering a knee injury that will rule her out for at least six weeks.
Jing Yi now has a good opportunity to show what she can do at the Asian meet, which is also the Uber Cup qualifiers.
Malaysia are drawn with Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines in Group C. The top four finishers will confirm their tickets to the Finals.
“I only found out last week that I was included in the team. It’s short notice but I’m happy that the coaches have faith in me,” said Jing Yi, whose regular partner is Soong Fie Cho.
“I’m a bit surprised too because I’ve only been involved in doubles recently.
“But it’s a good chance to show what I can do. The coaches have been trying out various combinations in training and I’m comfortable playing with anyone.
“I think that my past experience will surely help. I’ve played in so many Uber Cup and Sudirman Cups, so I know what kind of pressure we’ll have to face,” added Jing Yi.
National women’s doubles coach Wong Pei Tty explained that Jing Yi was selected because of her offensive abilities.
“She’s a good attacking option. The other players are not so aggressive like her and we need that quality in the team,” said Pei Tty.
Besides Jing Yi and Mei Kuan, the other pairs in the squad are world No. 15 Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and Goh Yea Ching-Yap Cheng Wen.
The women’s singles shuttlers are national No. 1 Soniia Cheah, Goh Jin Wei, S. Kisona and Lim Yin Fun.