KUALA LUMPUR: All Soniia Cheah Su Ya wants is to enjoy playing badminton.
On Wednesday, the 24-year-old women's singles player delivered Malaysia's first point in the team semi-final tie against Indonesia at the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games (KL2017) in Bukit Jalil.
Malaysia went on to reach the final following a comprehensive 3-0 win over their rivals.
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Soniia, now ranked no 24 in the world, scored a 21-17, 21-17 upset over world no 21 Fitriani Fitriani. Women's doubles pair Vivian Hoo Kah Mun-Woon Khe Wei got lucky when their opponents Ni Ketut Mahadewi Istarani-Rosyita Eka Putri Sari were forced to retire due to injury when they were trailing 7-5.
Former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei then wrapped up the tie with a 21-16, 21-13 win over Hanna Ramadini.
"I played so much better today compared to yesterday (Tuesday). I was more relaxed," said Soniia, who nearly called it quits when she suffered a horrific injury (Achilles tendon) in 2013.
"When I'm relaxed, I get to enjoy myself on court and that's when I play better."
Malaysia, who last won the women's team event in 2009, will play defending champions Thailand for the gold on Thursday at the Axiata Arena.
Thailand had earlier beaten Singapore 3-0 in the semi-finals
"Thailand have a very strong women's team. It's normal in sports where things get tougher as you progress. I just hope to play one more good match in the final."