Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing played together for the first time in four months. - Bernama
COPENHAGEN: A four-month layoff has whetted the appetites of mixed doubles pair Tan Aik Quan-Lai Pei Jing.
On Monday, the duo, who are hungry for success, made a remarkable comeback to beat Hong Kong’s Chan Yun Lung-Tse Ying Suet 21-14, 21-17 to reach the second round for the first time. They were a first round casualty last year in Guangzhou.
With the win, they now hold an advantage over the Hong Kong pair.
The Malaysian had beaten them at the Macau Open in 2012 but lost to them at last year’s Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold.
Aik Quan, who saw Pei Jing partner Chan Peng Soon for the last few months, was all smiles on Monday.
“It looked like as though we have never been apart. I am glad Pei Jing and I picked up where we left off. Our game is still intact. After all, we have been playing for almost two years,” said Aik Quan.
“At the last World Championships, we lost in the first round. We hope to keep the momentum going.”
The duo will have a tough time against reigning Commonwealth Games champions Chris Adcock-Gabrielle Adcock of England in the second round.
Pei Jing – especially is eyeing for revenge. Together with Peng Soon, the duo had lost to the husband and wife partnership in the semi-finals in Glasgow just two weeks ago.
“Aik Quan and I have not played against them but I have. I only remember the bitterness of losing to them in Glasgow ... it was close. We will spend some time analysing their game and hopefully the result will be in our favour,” added a determined Pei Jing.
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