PETALING JAYA: Women’s singles shuttler Ong Xin Yee (pic) eyes a victory in the Malaysia Super 100 as a birthday gift for herself.
She is now more confident after beating Thailand’s Lalinrat Chaiwan 16-21, 22-20, 23-21 in the third round at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Winning the title would be a game-changer for Xin Yee, marking not only an achievement but also the perfect birthday gift as she turns 18 on Oct 23.
“I noticed my Thai opponent was not at her prime even though she is much senior and higher ranked,” said Xin Yee.
“This was a chance for me to strike in the game and enter the quarter-finals,” she added.
“I did not want to think too much but at the same time I don’t want to let go of any shuttle.
“It was very tiring and a long game for me, especially with the points I lost at the net.
Her next opponent is Japan’s Akari Kurihara in the last eight.
It was a double joy when K. Letshanaa moved into the quarter-finals too.
She defeated Taiwan’s Peng Yu-wei 21-9, 21-17 and will be facing fourth seeded Japanese Asuka Takahashi next.
Letshanaa credited her recent weight loss as a major factor for her win.
“I find that all the top national players are fit in terms of their physique and I knew I needed to match that.” said Letshanaa who has lost 6kg.
She said she still lacks consistency on court and hopes to improve on this.
