Canadian Michelle Li in action against Singaporean Yeo Jia Min in the first round of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Women’s singles shuttler Michelle Li’s (pic) European campaign came to a painful end after her semi-final defeat at the Swiss Open on Saturday.
The world No. 20 from Canada put up a gritty fight but fell 21-14, 12-21, 21-17 to Denmark’s Line Kjaersfeldt in a 62-minute battle at in Basel.
It marked the end of a gruelling three week stretch for Michelle, who had competed in the Orleans Masters (March 4-9), followed by the All-England (March 11-16), and the Swiss Open.
However, her campaign was marred by a shocking incident during the All-England. Shortly after crashing out in the first round to Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska, she was assaulted by an unknown individual while walking near her hotel.
The attack left her with rib injuries and took a toll on her mental state, yet she soldiered on to compete at the Swiss Open.
“Trip started off with tough first-round losses in both France and England. Been struggling with some limitations recently and not feeling quite myself on court which can be a little frustrating sometimes but that’s sport,” she said.
“Then on the same day I lost my match in England, a homeless man or drug addict decided my ribs was a good target to swing at as I was walking just outside hotel.
“I never thought random attacks would happen to me but it did.
“I was very lucky as there were witnesses and thank the Lord the guy wasn’t holding a knife or anything sharper.
“A little traumatised and bedridden with pain in my ribs for a few days. With no training I wasn’t really sure how I was going to continue the tour.
“Grateful for the support that I got from those on-site and afar, I made it to Switzerland and I was able to practise when I got here,” said Michelle.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist fought her way to the Swiss Open semis before losing.
Michelle’s focus now shifts to the Pan American Championships, set to take place in Lima, Peru, from April 9-12.
As the tournament’s top seed, she will be eager to reclaim the title after it was won by the United States’ Zhang Beiwen in the previous edition.
