BANGKOK, Thailand: Battling a runny nose throughout the match, Sarawakian shuttler Wong Ling Ching dug deep to outlast Vietnam’s Vu Thi Trang 2-1.
Wong prevailed 21-14, 20-22, 21-14 to deliver Malaysia an important point in the SEA Games women’s team event today at Thammasat University Rangsit Campus, Pathum Thani.
The 22-year-old from Miri admitted she started the match cautiously as Vietnam came out aggressively in the opening rallies.
“In the first set, I wasn’t expecting too much. I was just trying to find the right rhythm and the right spots. She (Vu) attacked early, so I had to settle down and slowly build my game,” she told reporters after the match.
Despite taking the opener, Wong lost focus midway through the second set, allowing Vu to claw back and snatch a tight 22-20 finish that pushed the tie into a decider.
“Actually, before I went in – this is my first SEA Games team event – so I prepared myself, knowing the support and atmosphere might feel a bit different.
“But even though I prepared, once I started playing, things still got a bit messy, whether it was from myself or from the supporters,” she said.
The final set, however, belonged fully to Wong.
Regaining her composure, she controlled the pace and extended the rallies, eventually pulling away 21-14 to close out the match.
All this came while she battled lingering flu symptoms.
“My nose just kept running during the game. But I just had to bear with it. Physically I’m okay and still healthy enough to play,” she added.
Beyond the team event which Malaysia won 3-1 over Vietnam, Wong will also feature in the individual competition, scheduled for December 10.
