Hard at work: Vivian Hoo (right) and Lim Chiew Sien during their training session ahead of the Malaysian Open.
KUALA LUMPUR: As shuttler Vivian Hoo prepares to bring the curtain down on her career in the women’s doubles in the Malaysian Open, the country will have a glimpse into the future as youngsters Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting will play in their first major senior event.
The home event starting on Tuesday will be the 34-year-old Vivian’s swansong while 18-year-olds Xin-Yee-Carmen, who were promoted from the reserves list will be making their debuts in a World Tour Super 1000 tourney.
Vivian, who was the country’s No. 1 in the women’s doubles along with Woon Khe Wei until the latter’s retirement in 2018, is happy to see the youngsters getting the opportunity to compete in the prestigious tournament.
“I’m happy that Xin Yee and Carmen get to play in the Malaysian Open as this is the biggest World Tour event,” said Vivian after a training session with current partner Lim Chiew Sien at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
“During my time, we did not have the opportunity to play in such a high-level tournament (at their age). Hopefully, this is a good exposure for them and a good start for them.
“They have no pressure now and it’s the best time for them to fight against the senior pairs and they can just give their best.”
Malaysia have struggled for strength in depth in women’s doubles for a long time with world No. 6 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, who took over the baton from Vivian-Khe Wei, the only pair currently competing at the highest level while others are still far behind.
Vivian shared that the main issue facing the country is the low number of women players.
“Since last time we have been really lacking women players. Not results wise but the number of players,” said Vivian.
“We have only one pair at the highest level (top ranked) every ten years. Before me and Khe Wei, there was Chin Ee Hui-Wong Pei Tty and there was an eight to 10-year gap between us.
“After me and Khe Wei, Pearly-Thinaah emerged and that was also eight to 10 years later. So, it’s a sign that there’s a lack of depth in the department.”
Vivian though hopes this will change with Xin Yee-Carmen proving their potential as future stars. Afterall, they won bronze in the Asian Junior Championships last year.
Malaysia also have another bright prospect in world junior silver medallists Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu, who are only 17 and 14 respectively.
“Looks like it’s getting better for us. After Pearly-Thinaah we could have Xin Yee-Carmen coming up and Dania-Zi Yu too,” said Vivian.
“Hopefully, we can have two, three top pairs in the future.”
Vivan also has plans to do her part in developing more women players for the country through her academy, VH Badminton Academy.
“I want to encourage and develop more women players through my academy in Cheras,” said Vivian.
“I set-up the academy recently and hopefully, the players can one day join the national team.
“I also have plans for other businesses after my retirement but the academy comes first for me.”
Meanwhile, Vivian has mixed feelings about ending her successful career in front of the home fans in the Malaysian tourney.
She and Khe Wei won several medals together including bronze in the 2014 Asian Games, gold in the Commonwealth Games in the same year and the SEA Games title in 2013.
Although Vivian struggled to recapture her best form with Chiew Sien, she will end her career with no regrets.
“I have mixed feelings as it’s my last tournament after so many years of playing,” said Vivian.
“I just want to enjoy myself on court. Of course, I will still give my best and hopefully, I can go as far as I can with Chiew Sien.
“Overall, I feel satisfied as I gave my best in my career and I have no regrets.”
