PETALING JAYA: A last-minute change in opponent in the women's singles event at the Malaysian Masters did little to boost Goh Jin Wei’s chances.
The initial draw had pitted Jin Wei against 2020 champion Chen Yufei of China in the first round on Wednesday (May 21) at Axiata Arena.
However, the world No. 8 pulled out of the tournament, and a redraw saw the Malaysian set to face Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon instead. Ratchanok is a two-time winner of the tournament, having lifted the title back-to-back in 2018 and 2019.
Ratchanok, the sixth seed, was originally drawn to face Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh in the first round.
Jin Wei has struggled against the Thai ace in the past, losing all four of their previous encounters. Their last meeting came two years ago at the Uber Cup in Bangkok.
Her coach Nova Armada admitted that the redraw offered no real advantage, saying it remains an equally tough challenge for Jin Wei as she aims to go further in the tournament.
“To be honest, the challenge is equally tough even though she’s now facing Ratchanok. But I think it is slightly better than going up against Yufei," said Nova.
“In terms of preparation, Jin Wei has done everything right. But when you are drawn to meet a top opponent in the opening round, it will always be difficult. We have no choice but to try and put up a strong fight.
“Whether it is Yufei, Ratchanok or any other opponent, it makes little difference. All we can do is go all out and give our very best,” said Nova.
Apart from Yufei, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan and India’s Tasnim Mir have also withdrawn from the tournament.
Their absence paved the way for players like Asuka Takahashi, Huang Yu-hsun and Wen Yu Zhang to be promoted to the main draw.
