Badminton

Indra expects semis spots from women's singles trio

National women's singles coach Indra Wijaya will not settle for anything less than a semi-final finish from his three charges at the Spanish International this week.

Despite the lack of tournaments and training due to a recent Covid-19 scare at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, the Indonesian still wants to see top-drawer performances from reigning Sea Games champion S.Kisona, two-time world junior champion Goh Jin Wei and Eoon Qi Xuan.

Indra said: "I know the girls haven't played much this season and have gone through ups and downs with their confidence, but I still want to see them push themselves. I know they can do it.

"I'd like to see all three reach the semi-finals at least, but if possible, they should go for the title.

Among the three, Kisona had the most exposure this season by playing in the Asian Leg of the World Tour in January and the All England in March.

The 23-year-old, however, crumbled under pressure in Birmingham and was subsequently withdrawn by the BA of Malaysia (BAM) from the following Orleans Masters.

Jin Wei has been fighting for form since undergoing a colectomy surgery in 2019, while Qi Xuan has just not had enough tournament time due to the pandemic.

"It has not been easy. Kisona had a lot to deal with mentally. Truth is, she is not at the level of playing in a Super 1000 event yet. That is why we brought her back after the All England to build her confidence again."

Both Kisona and Jin Wei will open their Spain International campaign today against qualifiers, while Qi Xuan faces England's Freya Redfearn in the first round.

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