Say cheese!: Hoo Pang Ron (left) and Teoh Mei Xing posing for a picture after their mixed doubles first-round match against Japan’s Kyohei Yamashita-Naru Shinoya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
HOO Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing justified their last-minute qualification by pulling off a major upset in the first round of the Malaysian Open at the Axiata Arena.
The world No. 157 Pang Ron-Mei Xing, who formed their partnership just two months ago, started off strong by toppling the Japanese world No. 16 Kyohei Yamashita-Naru Shinoya 21-11, 15-21, 21-19 yesterday to book their spot in the second round.
Pang Ron-Mei Xing were promoted to the main draw after the withdrawal of India’s Ishaan Bhatnagar-Tanisha Crasto end of last month.
The 24-year-old Pang Ron said it was a tough match as they struggled to adapt to the wind.
“We were quite nervous at first but we were able to find our momentum,” he said.
“We were uncomfortable with the wind and slightly slower in changing our game play in the second set, which resulted in a wide score gap.
“Luckily, it got better as we adapted to the draught and finally won the third set,” he said.
Mei Xing, who will be playing in the women’s doubles with Go Pei Kee today against compatriot Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien, was delighted to get promoted into the main draw at the last minute.
“It’s good news and I’m very lucky that both the mixed and women’s doubles pair were promoted to the main draw.
“I hope to perform my best as a way to show my appreciation for the chance that God gave me,” said the 25-year-old.
Pang Ron-Mei Xing will take on France’s Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue in the second round tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie began their campaign in the mixed doubles in style when they overcame Chang Ko-chi-Lee Chih-chen 21-15, 21-13 to storm into the second round.
The pair got engaged last month and Shevon said their new status doesn’t make a big difference in their playing career.
“This is the first tournament after we got engaged but I have always managed to separate on-court and off-court relationship to be a professional pair,” said Shevon.
“But there is a little bit difference as I am a bit more patient and understanding because I know that, he is going to be with me for a long time. So, this shift is necessary.”
It will be an emotional moment today for Goh Liu Ying who will be retiring after the Malaysian Open. She will be partnering Chan Peng Soon for the last time where they are up against Indonesians Rehan Naufal-Lisa Ayu in the first round.
Another independent pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing will be in action today where they will play BAM combination Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
