Soniia believes taking risk was the right thing to do

Soniia Cheah in action during the quarter-finals of the Asia Team Badminton Championships on Friday. -Bernamapic

SHUTTLER Soniia Cheah took a big risk by playing in the mixed team final against the doctor’s advice.

But she believes it was the right thing to do.

Soniia, who had injured her ankle during the semi-final, gave a rousing performance before going down to Saina Nehwal 11-21, 21-19, 9-21 in a deciding match.

She was unable to save the tie and Malaysia went down 3-1 to India in the final at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre on Monday.

Prior to the match, the team were contemplating whether to field one of the women’s doubles players – Vivian Hoo, Chow Mei Kuan or Shevon Lai Jemie as Soniia’s replacement.

“I’m the only woman singles player and I could not bear letting the team down,” said Soniia.

“Yes, I took the risk by playing as I did not want to waste a point.

“It’s my responsibility but unfortunately, I lost,” said Soniia adding that she will be happy to reach the semi-finals in the individual competitions, which started yesterday with the first round.

“I’m not at my best especially after pushing hard in the team event.

“I’ll be happy to reach the last four,” said Soniia, who received a first-round bye yesterday.

She is in the same half with top seed P.V. Sindhu of India and defending champion Michelle Li of Canada.

She is expected to cross path against Michelle again in the quarter-finals and will be out for a revenge after her loss in the group stage of the team event.

In the lower half, Saina, Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland and England’s Chloe Birch will fight to make the final.