Interesting: Cheng Su Yin (right) impressed when she went toe-to-toe with Huang Dongping (below) in the China Masters final.
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin is keen to follow in the footsteps of Chinese star Huang Dongping.
Dongping is known as one of the best mixed doubles players in the world and has formed a successful partnership with Feng Yanzhe after capturing gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with previous partner Wang Yilyu.
The 21-year-old Su Yin impressed when she went toe-to-toe with Dongping in the thrilling China Masters final match a little over a week ago in Shenzhen.
Although Su Yin and her partner Hoo Pang Ron ended up losing narrowly 23-21, 23-25, 16-21 to Dongping and Yanzhe, it was a valuable experience for the youngster.
Su Yin has called the 29-year-old, who rose to No. 1 in the world rankings after winning the title with Yanzhe, the toughest opponent she has ever played against and hopes to become like her one day.
“The best front court player I have ever played against is Dongping. I want to become like her,” said Su Yin after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
“I need to improve my quality of shots at the front court and make it easier for Pang Ron.”
The pint-sized Su Yin has come a long way in a short space of time after only combining with the 26-year-old Pang Ron in November last year.
The pair reached a career-high No. 18 in the world after their runners-up finish in the China tourney.
Pang Ron-Su Yin are now the third ranked Malaysians in the mixed doubles behind only world No. 8 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and world No. 10 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie.
Su Yin credited her partner for her rapid improvement.
“I think the key to my improvement is my partner. He keeps encouraging and building my confidence,” said Su Yin.
“During my first time playing in the bigger events, I was nervous but he always supports me. He also advices me to be vocal and voice out any problems I have.”
After taking a short break, Pang Ron-Su Yin are already back in training and are preparing for the Malaysian Open from Jan 7-12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The duo will be making their debuts together in the home tourney.
While excited to play at home for the first time with Su Yin, Pang Ron is remaining cautious of the pair’s chances.
“We have started preparations for the Malaysian Open. We are excited to play at our home ground and show what we can do. We are looking forward to it,” said Pang Ron.
“As I always say, we don’t put the goal too high because everyone has ups and downs. We also need to discuss with our coach on the game play and on the day of the match, we see our condition
“So, we can’t predict anything but of course we will do our best in every match.”
