SHUTTLER Goh Jin Wei might not be a medal contender but she could spring a surprise in the women’s singles in the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Jin Wei is set to make her debut in the Asiad and is shaping up well so far.
The 23-year-old independent player made heads turn when she stunned China’s world No. 9 Han Yue en route to reaching the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open in Kowloon last week.
It was world No. 33 Jin Wei’s best finish this year after suffering early-round exits in all her individual tournaments previously.The former two-time world Junior champion has undergone five days of centralised training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara to prepare for the Games.
Said coach Nova Armada, “Jin Wei’s physical condition is good and her preparations have went well so far.
“She has gained confidence after the Hong Kong tourney but her chances of a positive outing in the Games will hinge on a favourable draw (Oct 1).”
Jin Wei will be joined by world No. 59 and Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) K. Letshanaa in the women’s singles.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s reigning world champion An Se-young is the favourite to win gold. Se-young’s main challengers are likely to be Japan’s world No. 2 Akane Yamaguchi, 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion and homester Chen Yufei and Taiwan’s world No. 4 Tai Tzu-ying.
The badminton competition will kick off with the men and women’s team events from Sept 28-Oct 1 while the individual events will be held from Oct 2-7 at the Binjiang Gymnasium.
