Malaysias Goh Jin Wei hits a return to Japans Tomoko Miyazaki during their womens singles match at the Sudirman Cup badminton championship in Xiamen, Chinas southeastern province on May 1, 2025. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
PETALING JAYA: Women's singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei's battling performance against China's eventual champion Chen Yufei in the Macau Open second round has given her some much needed confidence ahead of the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris.
Jin Wei gave 2020 Tokyo Olympics champion Yufei a huge scare before narrowly going down 21-14, 9-21, 18-21 in Macau last week.
Despite the defeat, it was arguably the 25-year-old independent player's best performance this year.
Jin Wei's coach Nova Armada believes his charge is slowly regaining her best form.
"Jin Wei played very well in Macau. She could have pulled off an upset over Yufei after losing to her a few times this year but the Chinese player is very steady now and managed to win in the end," said Nova.
"Nevertheless, it was still a good performance from Jin Wei. In the first round, she also did well to beat Denmark's Amalie Schulz, who is not easy to play against.
"There was no pressure on Jin Wei and this helped her play her game well. Her performance in this tournament has lifted her spirits and given her some confidence. She is slowly getting back to her best."
Nova feels a change in approach this year is beginning to help Jin Wei, who is struggling with health issues, rediscover her best form.
"I'm not sending her for many tournaments this year. Instead, my focus is more on helping her train better," said Nova.
"She is now getting used to training while managing her heath condition as she has been going through it for a few years now.
"Also, we want to save money this year by being selective with tournaments. Next year, I plan to send her for more competitions again."
Jin Wei has only competed in eight individual tournaments this year and reached the second round thrice including in Macau.
Her lack of results has seen her lose her status as the country's No. 1 in the women's singles to K. Letshanaa, who is currently ranked No. 40 in the world.
Jin Wei faces a tough task in the world meet next but will be hoping to spring a surprise.
