KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin still have a long way to go to establish themselves as a top pair despite showing progress last year.
Yesterday, the world No. 20 Pang Ron-Su Yin suffered a disappointing 26-28, 21-14, 22-24 defeat against world No. 51 Lu Ming-che-Hung En-tzu of Taiwan in the first round of the Malaysian Open at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
The Malaysian duo were favourites to win against the Taiwanese pair but stumbled after squandering five game points in the first game and another two in the deciding third game.
Pang Ron-Su Yin led 18-12 in the first game but failed to maintain their momentum after changing their gameplay, allowing their opponents to level the score at 20-20 before eventually losing the game.
Pang Ron-Su Yin bounced back to claim the second game 21-14.
In the third game, Pang Ron and Su Yin started strong, leading 16-11, but Ming-che and En-tzu fought back to level the score at 16-16 before winning.
This defeat shows Pang Ron-Su Yin’s lack of experience in handling pressure and the former took the defeat in his stride.
“In every aspect, I felt we’re actually better, but they (Ming-che-En-tzu) played well ... we didn’t perform up to expectation,” said the 26-year-old Pang Ron.
“I’m not happy with my performance. We were leading in the first game but ended up losing, it affected us and we lost focus a bit. We were playing the right gameplay but changed it ourselves, which caused a lack of confidence.
“The opponents became more confident after scoring many points, making it harder for us to play.
“I also didn’t do a good job in leading the game.”
For 21-year-old Su Yin, this was her first outing in a Super 1000 tournament and their first debut match together in such a high-level event.
“Playing in the Super 1000 has helped me gain some confidence, but I need to find a way to overcome my nervousness,” said the 21-year-old Su Yin.
Pang Ron-Su Yin were in good form as they won the silver medal in the China Masters after losing narrowly to hosts and world No. 1 Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping in the final last November.
Last year, they also managed to reach the semi-finals of the Orleans Masters in March and Macau Open in September.
Meanwhile, another Malaysian mixed doubles pair Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien also bowed out after losing 12-21, 13-21 to Indonesia’s Dejan Ferdinansyah-Gloria Emmanuelle.
