PETALING JAYA: K. Letshanaa (pic) is out to justify her status as the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) No. 1 women’s singles player by capturing the National Championships title today.
Letshanaa, who rejoined the BAM in March after a persistent back injury forced her to initially leave last year, fought hard to overcome teammate Siti Nurshuhaini Azman 9-21, 21-10, 21-15 in a thrilling semi-final match at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Standing in her way in the final today is another BAM player Wong Ling Ching, who had an easier time against Johor’s Lim Shin, winning 21-13, 21-18.
“I’m happy to reach the final but I’m not satisfied with my performance today (yesterday),” said Letshanaa, who will turn 20 in August.
“There was more pressure on me to win due to my position as BAM’s No. 1 and Nurshuhaini played really well,” she said.
“It’s quite challenging to overcome this type of pressure and in the first game, I couldn’t execute my shots well.
“It was much better for me in the second game but I still need to improve my mental strength and focus.”
On her title match against Ling Ching, Letshanaa said: “I’m excited to play against her as it’s been a long time since we met in a tournament.
“I think the last time we played each other was when we were both 16.
“I’m expecting a tough match and I need to be well prepared.”
Meanwhile, Ling Ching, who is currently BAM’s No. 2, was thrilled to reach the final in her maiden national meet.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect to reach the final,” said the 19-year-old Ling Ching.
“I just wanted to take it one match at a time and it feels great to get into the final.”
On facing Letshanaa in the title match, she said: “We train together but playing against her in the final will be different as the outcome depends on our performance on the day.
“I don’t want to think too much but will just give my very best.”
