While wanting to regain her Malaysia Open title she last won in 2015 Spain’s former world No 1 Carolina Marin has set her sights on winning next month’s World Championships in Nanjing, China from July 30-Aug 5.
The 24-year-old won the 2015 Malaysian Open with a 19-21, 21-19, 21-17 win over China’s Li Xuerui. She reached the final again last year when the Malaysia Open was held in Kuching, Sarawak but lost to Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in a three-game thriller 23-25, 22-20, 21-13.
Marin, who is also the reigning Olympic champion, however, a tough draw in this year’s USD700,000 Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open. The Spaniard is drawn in the top half with Tzu Ying.
The world No 6 who is also the sixth seed in the Malaysia Open, faces Indonesia’s reigning world junior champion Gregoria Mariska in the first round. In the second round, Marin will face the winner of the Kirsty Gilmour (Scotland) versus Cheung Ngan Yi (Hong Kong) first round tie.
“I am in good condition after taking a break after winning the European title (in Huelva, Spain) in April,” said Marin.
“I hope to do well in Malaysia and also the Indonesia Open before going for the world championships in Nanjing. That is my aim.”
Marin won the world championships twice – in Copenhagen (2015) and retained the title a year later in Jakarta. RIZAL ABDULLAH
