PETALING JAYA: World junior silver medallist Low Zi Yu (pic) is hoping to earn her debut with the national women’s squad for the Uber Cup in Horsens, Denmark, in April.
For the 16 year old, featuring in the prestigious women’s world team championship has long been a dream and she is determined not to let the opportunity slip should the coaching panel place their faith in her.
Zi Yu described her outing at the Asian Team Championships in Qingdao three weeks ago as invaluable, especially after she and partner Noraqilah Maisarah were drafted in at the eleventh hour to replace Cheng Su Hui-Tan Zhing Yi.
Despite being the youngest pair in the squad, they delivered one of the standout performances by contributing a point against China.
Zi Yu and Noraqilah stunned Wang Tingge and Luo Yi 21-13, 21-18 in a spirited display.
“Of course I want to play. If the coaches give me the chance to go, I must fight. I cannot be afraid because this is a team event, not an individual one.
“After finishing the Asian Team Championships, I feel I can handle the pressure better. I now know how to adjust my own game,” said Zi Yu.
At present, only Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah appear certain to spearhead Malaysia’s women’s doubles challenge at the Uber Cup, with the other combinations yet to be finalised.
The status of Go Pei Kee also remains unclear after she left the national set-up, while her former partner Teoh Mei Xing has been temporarily switched to the mixed doubles department.
Zi Yu has been training full time at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara since January and no longer commutes from Segamat for national duties due to previous health concerns that required close family monitoring.
She believes the move will help elevate her career and sharpen her playing style, given the stronger sparring environment within the national set-up.
Zi Yu is currently ranked world No. 2 in the junior girl’s doubles standings.
“Being here allows me to focus more on badminton. I do not have to think about too many things. I just fight for Malaysia.
“If I travel back to Johor and then return here again, I get very tired. Staying here helps me focus more on training,” she added.
