Malaysia are assured of the gold and silver after Soniia Cheah and Goh Jin Wei qualified for the badminton women’s singles final at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
In the semi-finals Jin Wei pulled off a stunning upset over Thailand’s third seed Pornpawee Chochuwong with a 21-9, 10-21, 21-18 in a 59-minute match.Â
Earlier, Soniia, the fourth seed, ended Indonesia’s hope Gregoria Mariska giant killing run in the tournament. The lanky Malaysian registered a straight games 22-20, 21-13 win over the Indonesian.
Mariska had ousted defending champion Busanan Ongbamrungphan’s run in the quarter-finals.
“This is a dream. After winning our quarter-final matches we were hoping for an all-Malaysia final.
“Now that it has happened and it does not matter who wins the title as the gold is for the country,” said Soniia after her win over Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska.
For Jin Wei reaching the final gives her the chance of landing the gold after winning the bronze medal in her debut Sea Games in Singapore in 2015.
“Soniia is my senior and I hope to learn something from her in the final. I hope to give my best in the final although I have never beaten Soniia in tournaments and training,” said the 17-year-old Jin Wei.
Both, Soniia and Jin Wei thanked the vociferous home fans for their support in the semi-finals.
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RESULTS (SEMI-FINALS)
Women’s singles
Soniia Cheah (Mas) beat Gregoria Mariska (Ina) 22-20. 21-13
Goh Jin Wei (Mas) beat Pornpawee Chochuwong (Tha) 21-9, 10-21, 21-18
