PETALING JAYA: A year apart has done little to affect the chemistry between Low Zi Yu-Dania Sofea Zaidi as the women’s doubles pair made a winning return together at Malaysia Games (Sukma).
The defending champions showed they remain among the favourites for the gold medal after brushing aside Pahang’s N. Mishaliny-Nisa Farina Nordin 21-6, 21-10 in the second round at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam on Saturday (Aug 22).
Johor had not fielded Zi Yu-Dania together during the women’s team event for tactical reasons, with Zi Yu even playing singles against Sabah.
Saturday’s match was their first together since the Malaysian International Challenge in Ipoh last August.
A month after that tournament, Dania suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury to her left knee, which ruled her out of the World Junior Championships in Guwahati, India.
"I’m excited to be playing with Zi Yu again. Every opponent here will be challenging and we cannot take anyone lightly," said Dania.
"This is Sukma, so we want to give our best in every match."
Zi Yu said their status as defending champions after winning gold in Sarawak two years ago does not mean they can expect an easy run this time.
Both are also determined to make amends after Johor were knocked out in the group stage of the women’s team event.
"I don’t think our game is fully there yet, especially with the conditions here as it is quite windy. We’re still trying to get used to the drift," said Zi Yu.
"We just want to give our best because all the pairs here are strong. The level at Sukma is high too.
"Of course, winning the title would be the best result, but if we don’t, then it means we have to go back and work harder."
Zi Yu-Dania will take on Selangor’s Lee Yu Shan-Wong Zi Yi on Sunday (Aug 23) for a place in the quarter-finals.
