Birmingham 2022: Jin Wei braces for challenging women's singles field

KUALA LUMPUR: The women's singles category is expected to be among the most challenging field in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games badminton competition, scheduled from July 29 to Aug 8.

The presence of top shuttlers in the likes of two-time Olympic medalist and reigning silver medallist P.V. Sindhu of India, 2014 edition winner Michelle Li of Canada, two-time medalist Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland and Yeo Jia Min of Singapore, all ranked in the world's top 20, will definitely spice up the challenge at the National Exhibition Centre.

However, it doesn't deter the spirit of two-time world junior champion Goh Jin Wei from eyeing for a decent outing in her debut Commonwealth Games.

"I think there are several competitors in the women's singles, so everyone has a fair chance, so it depends on who performs on that particular day to rise to the occasion.

"I don't want to think a lot... just go there, try my best and contribute for the team," she told reporters when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night, before leaving for Birmingham.

SPORTS-BADMINTON (JIN WEI) 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR

Jin Wei, 22, who made a comeback to the court early this year after announcing her retirement in September last year citing health condition, said she was getting better and gaining back her momentum.

"I cannot rush. I have to slowly get back to form on my own pace and improve on what I am lacking," said Jin Wei, who suffered a stomach ailment and had to undergo colectomy surgery in 2019.

Ranked 60th in the world, Jin Wei managed to advance till quarter-finals in three tournaments this year - Korea Open, Malaysia Masters and ongoing Taipei Open - as well as the Italian International semi finals.

Jin Wei, who once ranked 24th in the world, admitted that she was feeling tired after playing the Taipei Open quarter-finals against Saena Kawakami on Friday.

"But this is my first Commomwealth Games outing and with the support of team Malaysia, I feel very energetic.

"There's still a few days to rest and prepare before the competition starts. So I think by that time, I will be in good condition," she said.

-- BERNAMA