PETALING JAYA: Professional women’s singles shuttler Goh Jin Wei (pic) has a chance to stand on the podium again as she bids for the Singapore International Challenge title today.
The 24-year-old was impressive in the semi-finals, beating Thailand’s Tidapron Kleebyeesun 21-15, 21-17 in just 29 minutes.
Standing in her way is Indonesia’s Komang Ayu, who booked her place in the final after thrashing Thailand’s Yataweemin Ketklieng 21-8, 21-12.
The 2017 SEA Games champion Jin Wei has not tasted success for some time, with her last title coming in 2018 – Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires and World Junior Championships crown in Markham.
Since then, Jin Wei has endured several near misses on the international stage, including at the Thailand Masters this month where she was forced to retire in the final.
Coach Nova Armada is hoping she will be in peak condition to finally end her long wait for another title.
“In Singapore from the opening round up to the semi-finals, her performances have been good. On Friday, she had to play twice, the second round and quarter-final matches, and she handled it well.
“In the semis, she took the initiative from the first game. Hopefully she can maintain that level in the final tomorrow (today) against Komang,” said Nova.
Like Jin Wei, Komang was once regarded as one of Indonesia’s top prospects and is now working her way back up the rankings, currently sitting at world No. 100.
The two met four years ago in the second round of the Taiwan Open, with Jin Wei emerging victorious.
Meanwhile, hopes of seeing men’s doubles pair Mohd Faiq Masnawi-Lok Hong Quan advance to the final were dashed after they fell 21-9, 19-21, 18-21 to Indonesia’s Yeremia Rambitan-Patra Rindorindo.
SEMI-FINAL RESULTS
(Malaysians only)
Men’s doubles: Yeremia Rambitan-Patra Rindorindo (Ina) bt Mohd Faiq Masnawi-Lok Hong Quan 9-21, 21-19, 21-18.
Women’s singles: Goh Jin Wei bt Tidapron Kleebyeesun (Tha) 21-15, 21-17.
