Soniia goes down fighting but it costs Malaysia nothing

Soniia Cheah makes a return against Ghanas Stella Koteikai Amaash during the 2018 Commonwealth Games women singles Group D match at the Carara Indoor Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, April 5, 2018. GLENN GUAN/The Star

SHUTTLER Soniia Cheah (pic) went for the jugular in her clash with defending champion Michelle Li before going down 21-14, 19-21, 15-21.

And that was the only blemish in Malaysia’s 4-1 win over Canada in their final Group D match at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre yesterday.

Earlier, Malaysia swept aside Seychelles 5-0.

Based on a fresh draw made yesterday, Group D champions Malaysia will take on Scotland in the quarter-finals today.

Soniia took the defeat against the 2014 Glasgow Games champion Michelle in her stride.

“She’s a tough opponent. I tried but she was still a better player overall,” said Soniia.

“It never feels good to lose. I hope to come out of this defeat stronger and looking forward to tougher matches.”

Goh Soon Huat, who played in the singles and mixed doubles yesterday, was happy with his form.

Malaysia rested Lee Chong Wei and fielded Soon Huat in the men’s singles against Seychelles.

“I felt quite lost in the beginning. I felt the court was too big,” said Soon Huat, who was a singles player before switching to mixed doubles in 2016.

“I played a total of three matches but I’m happy with my stamina. The matches will get tougher from here and I’ll be ready,” he added.