Fearless fighter: Goh Jin Wei gave former world champion P.V. Sindhu a huge scare before going down fighting 21-18, 14-21, 19-21 in the first round of the Asian Championships
PETALING JAYA: Women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei has something to smile about ahead of the Uber Cup Finals from April 27-May 5 in Chengdu.
Jin Wei caught the eye with her battling performance against India’s 2019 world champion P.V. Sindhu in the ongoing Asian Championships.
The world No. 33 gave Sindhu a huge scare before going down fighting 21-18, 14-21, 19-21 in 64 minutes in the first round in Ningbo, China, on Wednesday.
Despite the defeat, Jin Wei’s coach Nova Armada is feeling positive over his charge’s display ahead of the prestigious team meet.
“Jin Wei’s strategy almost paid off against Sindhu and her physical condition was also good throughout the match,” said Nova.
“Unfortunately, luck was not on her side and she could not get the win. But overall, it was a good performance from her.”
In their last meeting, Jin Wei memorably upstaged Sindhu for the first time in the Sudirman Cup last May and was not far away from another stunning win.
The 24-year-old will need to show similar fighting spirit in the Uber Cup where she is set to lead a largely inexperienced team.
The other singles players selected in the team are K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman, Siti Zulaikha Azmi while Teoh Mei Xing, Go Pei Kee, Tan Zhing Yi, Ho Lo Ee and Chan Wen Tse have been chosen in the doubles.
National No. 1 women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah were not picked for the tournament as they have been given more time to prepare for the Paris Olympics in July.
Malaysia will take on Taiwan in their opening Group B match before facing Thailand and Australia.
Only the top two teams will progress to the quarter-finals.
For the record, Malaysia last made it into the last eight in the 2010 edition at home in Kuala Lumpur.
