PETALING JAYA: Women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei (pic) will compete in a few lower tier tournaments next year in a bid to regain her confidence after a tough year.
Jin Wei suffered early round exits in all 14 of her tournaments this year including in the Paris Olympics in August and dropped to No. 41 in the latest world rankings.
In the ongoing China Masters which is her last competition of the year, the independent player went down 18-21, 16-21 to Canada’s Michelle Li in the first round.
Jin Wei’s coach Nova Armada said that his charge will play in a few World Tour Super 300 events next year to build her confidence.
This year, the 24-year-old has been playing in Super 1000, 750 and a few 500 tournaments.
“After the Olympics, Jin Wei’s focus has been on next year. She skipped a few tournaments and has been working on improving her physical condition,” said Nova.
“She will compete in a few Super 300 events next year to try to get back her confidence. Hopefully, she will be braver when she plays against players ranked lower than her.”
Nova believes Jin Wei showed improvement in her game in China and wants her to build on her performance.
“She was leading in the first game (against Michelle) but could not maintain her performance and lost. She is getting better though at playing long rallies,” said Nova.
“Her condition is getting better and hopefully her fortunes will change next year.”
Despite her disappointing form, Jin Wei is still the highest ranked Malaysian in the women’s singles with K. Letshanaa, who is currently ranked No. 55 in the world the closest to her.
Jin Wei’s next tournament will be the Malaysian Open from Jan 7-12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
