Self-belief proved to be one of the key ingredients for Goh Jin Wei, who became one of the catalysts in Malaysia’s 5-0 thrashing of India at the Sudirman Cup as she beat P. V. Sindhu in three games on Monday.

Goh delivered the national team’s third point after beating the lanky Indian star 14-21, 21-10, 22-20 to ultimately seal the outright victory for Malaysia, which also confirmed their quarter-finals ticket in this mixed team event.

“I didn’t think about winning or losing. I just wanted to do my best and finish the match. It was a long match, a marathon. This win was about believing in myself and proving to those who believed in me,” she said.

With the scores locked at 20-20 in the rubber game, Goh took control of both rallies and found sublime winners, first with a deft drop shot before she calmly pushed the shuttle to the baseline to secure the upset.

Goh Jin Wei delivers a ? performance for Malaysia ??#SudirmanCupFinals #Suzhou2023 pic.twitter.com/zIeocqwG3Z
— BWF (@bwfmedia) May 15, 2023

Mixed doubles couple Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai had earlier given Malaysia an early lead, before Lee Zii Jia easily upstaged K. Srikanth 21-16, 21-11 to make it 2-0.

The now world number eight celebrated the 36-minute victory by impersonating Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siuu’ celebration.

“Ronaldo is my idol, which is why I did that celebration. He’s an inspiration not just to me, but athletes worldwide. This victory has definitely boosted my confidence. Both countries needed this point badly and I am happy I could deliver.

“I prepared as hard as possible for this match, especially after I lost to him at last year’s Japan Open,” Lee said.

After having three points in the bag, the pressure was not as intense with men’s doubles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik turning in a confident performance to beat Asian champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty 21-18, 21-19 to make it 4-0.

Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah made it a clean sweep with a straight game victory over their opponents.

Malaysia have a day’s rest before they face Chinese Taipei in a top-of-the-table Group C clash on Wednesday.

The Chou Tien-chen led contingent also secured a last-eight berth after winning their first two matches against India and Australia.

Mood: pic.twitter.com/kncVh4NQch
— ASTRO ARENA (@ASTROARENA) May 15, 2023