PETALING JAYA: K. Letshanaa (pic) is determined to use the lessons learned in the Korean Open to keep improving her performances.
The national women’s singles shuttler had made her World Tour debut in Yeosu last week and did reasonably well to reach the second round from the qualifiers.
Letshanaa beat Taiwan’s world No. 69 Huang Ching-ping in three games in the first round before going down to the latter’s world No. 4 compatriot and eventual runner-up Tai Tzu-ying in the second round.
The 19-year-old’s encouraging showing propelled her to a career-high No. 60 in the latest world rankings.
Letshanaa was especially grateful that she had the opportunity to compete against a top player like Tzu-ying.
“It was really a great experience for me to play against Tzu-ying, who is one of the best players in the world,” said Letshanaa.
“I learned a lot from the match,” said Letshanaa.
“She is really patient on court and does not go for the kill all the time.
“Instead, she makes her opponents suffer and does not give away easy points.
“She is also a speedy and intelligent player.
“I know my weaknesses better now and hope to work on them.”
The outing was another positive step for Letshanaa, who had captured the national title a fortnight ago.
She is the third ranked women’s singles player in the country behind independent duo Goh Jin Wei (No. 34) and S. Kisona (No. 58).
Letshanaa’s good progress had encouraged her coaches to select her for the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September along with Jin Wei.
On her inclusion for the Asiad, Letshanaa said: “I feel proud to get to represent my country for the first time in the Asian Games.
“I want to do the very best for Malaysia.”
Letshanaa will next turn her attention to the Australian Open in Sydney from Aug 1-6.
She will start from the qualifying round against Taiwan’s Liang Ting-yu.
