Looking sharp: Goh Jin Wei returning the shuttle to Taiwan’s Sung Shuo-yun during the first round of the Malaysian Open. — S.S. KANESAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei is trying out new methods to cope with her health issues and is optimistic that the changes could elevate her game this year.
Jin Wei has been struggling with the intensity of playing high-level badminton since undergoing colectomy surgery in 2019.
The former two-time world junior champion went through a tough 2023, suffering 14 first round exits in 21 individual competitions.
Jin Wei though showed glimpses of her best form when she beat Taiwan’s world No. 30 Sung Shuo-yun 21-18, 21-11 in the first round of the Malaysian Open at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The 23-year-old independent player, who is ranked one rung lower than her opponent, looked sharp on court and played aggressively to claim the win in front of the home fans.
“I’ve been changing my medication and pushing my limits in training for the past month,” said Jin Wei.
“I’m still in the process of trying new things and it’s a good start for me today (yesterday).
“It was a 50-50 match and I could not afford to be overconfident.
“I won today (yesterday) but there is still a big gap between me and the top 10, 20 and even top 30 players. I need to work harder to catch up.
“But the important thing is I’m still fighting and trying hard.”
Jin Wei faces a steeper hurdle today in the second round against Indonesia’s world No. 7 Gregoria Mariska.
The former had lost 6-21, 12-21 to the Indonesian in their last meeting in the Hangzhou Asian Games last October.
“It will be a tough match for me against Gregoria but I’m looking forward to it,” said Jin Wei.
“It will be another chance for me to try to play better.”
