Fabian Peter
KUALA LUMPUR: The question that remains to be answered is whether Goh Jin Wei will continue playing badminton or will she be rested for an indifinite time?
National women's singles head coach, Tey Seu Bock, on Friday disclosed that further updates on the 19-year-old will only be announced after the Australian Open this week.
Jin Wei, a two-time world junior champion, has not been in the best of shape due to a mysterious stomach ailment that has seen her miss out on several tournaments, including the Badminton Asia Championships and the New Zealand Open in April.
The Penang-born, however, was named for the Sudirman Cup last month but failed to make an impact, losing tamely to India's P.V. Sindhu in a group stage tie.
“So far, we have only registered Jin Wei for the Australian Open. We are monitoring her closely because the condition seems to be affecting her on and off," said Seu Bock.
“She is definitely not 100 per cent fit and I don't know when she will recover fully but I also cannot risk her losing points, it's the Olympic qualifying pe riod.
“As long as she can collect some points and perform to a certain level, I will let her play, I have to be fair,” added Seu Bock, in reference to another national shuttler, Soniia Cheah, who Jin Wei will face in the first round in Sydney.
Jin Wei, currently ranked No 25 in the world and Soniia (No 34) are Malaysia's best bets to qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo next year.
“Right now, even the doctors are not really sure of Jin Wei's situation so I rather not make any further comments.
“Let's see what happens after the Australian Open, we (BAM) will discuss with the National Sports Council and the National Sports Institute before making any further announcement.
“For now, Jin Wei's health is more important. If the doctor wants her to be rested, then we will rest her.”