Women shuttlers flatter to deceive again in early exit

GREAT start but poor finish – that sums up Malaysia’s exit from the Uber Cup Finals.

In a do-or-die tie against Thailand yesterday, Goh Jin Wei and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah put up commendable performances but it was not good enough as Malaysia lost 1-4 to Thailand and failed to make the cut for the elimination round.

Thailand and Denmark will make the top eight knockout stage as the top two teams. Malaysia will play Egypt in the final Group C tie today to complete the fixture.

Yesterday, in a surprise move, world No. 80 Jin Wei was promoted to the first singles and she did not disappoint as she went for the jugular against home favourite Ratchanok Intanon before going down fighting 21-14, 14-21, 15-21.

“Ratchanok is an experienced player and I’m glad that I was given the chance to play as the first singles,” said Jin Wei, who has lost to the world No. 8 twice before.

“My standard is still far from hers. I’m disappointed that I lost but I did give her a good fight, with the hope that others will be motivated.”

Her fighting display indeed set the tempo for Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah as they went on to beat Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai 16-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an exciting 71-minute doubles match to put Malaysia back in the fight at 1-1.

“We are happy to contribute a point for the team. Our rotation play and combination worked well today,” said Thinaah.

Said Pearly: “Jin Wei inspired us and despite the opening game setback, we managed to pull it off.”

Youngster Myisha Khairul sparked a glimmer of hope when she won the opening game 22-20 against Pornpawee Chochuwong, only to lose the second 10-21.

It went downhill for Malaysia after that.

Scratch pair Valeree Siow-Teoh Mei Xing were bundled out 9-21, 14-21 by Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard while debutant Tan Zhing Yi gave a good account of herself in the first game before losing 19-21, 6-21 to Busanan Ongbamrungphan.