PETALING JAYA: Being forced to miss one of the biggest tournaments of the year in front of your passionate home fans can be very frustrating.
National women’s doubles shuttler Anna Cheong has found herself in this situation as she will not see action in the Malaysian Open from Jan 10-15 at the Axiata Arena due to injury.
Anna, who usually partners Teoh Mei Xing, is going through rehabilitation after a surgery in November to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.
“It’s disappointing to miss the home tournament especially with the tournament now upgraded from Super 750 to 1000,” said Anna.
“Playing in front of the home fans is always special. I feel sad that I can’t play but I have to accept the situation and just keep working on my recovery.”
The 24-year-old and Mei Xing had made their debuts in the home Open last year where they reached the quarter-finals.
This time in Anna’s absence, the latter will be competing in the mixed doubles with Hoo Pang Ron.
Anna hoped Mei Xing will do well in her new role.
“I really want Mei Xing to do well in her new role. If I have some time, I will go and cheer for her,” said Anna.
On when she hoped to return to competitive action, Anna said: “I’m not sure yet.
“I’m progressing but still need at least a few more months to fully recover and be ready for tournaments again.”
Without Anna-Mei Xing, the burden of the nation will fall even more on the shoulders of national No. 1 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah.
Pearly-Thinaah, who reached a career-high No. 6 in the latest world rankings, have a tricky opening round match against Bulgarian sisters Gabriela Stoeva-Stefani Stoeva (No. 14).
Independent pair Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien (No. 15) are the other home representative and will open their campaign against Canada’s Catherine Choi-Josephine Wu (No. 33).
