PETALING JAYA: The Indonesian Masters mixed doubles title with Valeree Siow has further fuelled the desire for Yap Roy King to continue seeking success in two events on the international stage.
Roy King, who also plays in the men’s doubles with Wan Arif Wan Junaidi, secured his first mixed doubles title this year with Valeree in Medan on Sunday.
Their next stop will be the Hong Kong Open, their first super 500 event, which begins today where Roy King will also partner Arif.
Roy King said that both events are important to him and he will keep working on his fitness level to ensure he is physically able to cope with the workload.
“I’m happy to get this important breakthrough with Valeree and it has given us the confidence to grab more opportunities in the future,” said Roy King.
“The men’s doubles and mixed doubles are equally important to me. It wouldn’t be fair to either of my partners if I start choosing between the two events.
“I will work extra hard on my fitness and physical strength to sustain my performance in tournaments.”
The 22-year-old Roy King says Seo Seung-jae is an inspiration for players competing in two events as the South Korean won two world titles with Kang Min-hyuk (men’s doubles) and Chae Yu-jung (mixed doubles) at the World Championships in Copenhagen last month.
“Seung-jae and even former player Lee Yong-dae, who also used to play two events, are super players whom I can learn a lot from,” said Roy King.
“They have played in men’s and mixed doubles and have achieved equal and it is very motivating for young players like me.’’
In Hong Kong Open today, Roy King will play in the qualifying round in both events.
“I hope to clear the qualifying rounds and gain the experience of playing in a super 500 tournament for the first time.”
Roy King-Valeree will play Hong Kong’s Yeung Shing Choi-Fan Kah Yan and in the doubles with Arif, they will play Joshua Magee-Paul Reynolds of Ireland for a place in the main draw.
