Soniia’s family Thais
Singles shuttler feels at home in Bangkok for a special reason
SINGLES shuttler Soniia Cheah feels right at home in Bangkok.
“Everything has been smooth since we arrived here yesterday (on Thursday).
“I just love the food, the culture and the people here,” said Soniia.
“I feel so humbled when they greet people by folding their hands.”
Soniia’s fondness of Thailand is also because her family runs an authentic Thai massage centre called “Chaang” at Jalan Tong Shin in Kuala Lumpur.
“There is indeed some connection. My family, especially my mother, runs the centre back at home,” said Soniia.
“So, that gives me a special feeling like being at home.”
The 24-year-old Soniia hopes to live up to her status as the first singles when the Finals starts at “home” at the Impact Arena on Sunday.
“Our team had a feel of the stadium today. It’s okay but it was quite windy inside. We need to manage this,” said Soniia, who has represented Malaysia at the Finals in 2010, 2012 and 2016.
The others in the team are Goh Jin Wei, Lee Ying Ying, S. Kisona, Vivian Hoo-Goh Yea Ching, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean and Tee Jing Yi-Soong Fie Cho.
Meanwhile, Thomas Cup team manager Datuk Ng Chin Chai said the men shuttlers had settled down well too.
“The boys will get to test the stadium tomorrow (today). So far, we are injury and illness-free,” said Chin Chai.
The men’s team comprise Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia, Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin, Leong Jun Hao, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Teo Ee Yi-Mohd Arif Abdul Latif.