Jin Wei wins cheers after going down fighting in Olympics debut

PETALING JAYA: Women's singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei came really close but missed out on a spot in the last 16 of the Paris Olympic Games.

The debutant fought her heart out for every point on Wednesday (July 31) before going down 17-21, 22-20, 21-23 to South Korea's Kim Ga-eun in her second Group H match at Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle.

The 24-year-old did not give up even after losing the first game and led 11-8 in the second before eventually coming away with the win

Jin Wei, ranked 32 in the world, made a superb comeback after trailing 10-15 in the decider and had the opportunity to win the match when she led 20-18 but could not convert after all the hard work.

At the end, it was the experienced Ga-eun who finally prevailed.

Despite the defeat, the 24-year-old can hold her head high after pushing the world No. 17 Korean all the way in her maiden appearance in the Olympics.

Jin Wei was sad that she did not grab the chance to advance.

"I'm sorry to all Malaysian fans as I really had a chance to win but could not," said a tearful Jin Wei.

"I feel very disappointed. My opponent was under more pressure but I was the one who ended up making mistakes.

"My game plan was to stay patient but I rushed my shots in the end."