KUALA LUMPUR: There was no shame in defeat for Goh Jin Wei who fell in the second round of the Malaysia Open today.
Jin Wei, a two-time former world junior champion, admitted she was outclassed by South Korea's world No 4 An Se Young who took only 33 minutes to beat the Malaysian 21-10, 21-12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The 21-year-old Korean will play China's Wang Zhi Yi in the quarter-finals.
World No 33 Jin Wei, who turned professional last year, said: "There's a huge gap between us. My power and ability is not enough.
"I have to work hard to catch up with her and the rest. Will have to spend more time in training, compete more," said Jin Wei who will play in three more tournaments this month (India Open, Indonesia Masters and Thailand Masters).
Jin Wei, who has struggled to hit form since undergoing colectomy surgery in 2019, disclosed that her condition is improving.
"I'm feeling good. It's only the start of the year and I feel fresh.
"There is a lot more to do, I still have three more tournaments. I want to go as far as possible in them," added Jin Wei, who trains at the Sports Affairs Badminton Academy under Indonesian coach Nova Armada.