Hoo Pang Ron (right) deep in discussion with Cheng Su Yin during a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).–KAMARUL ARIFFIN / TheStar
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin believes that she and Hoo Pang Ron have what it takes to form a successful partnership.
Su Yin had only been combined with Pang Ron last November but they have not taken long to impress.
In only their second outing together, the pair captured the Malaysian International Challenge title in Ipoh.
Su Yin and Pang Ron also did well to reach the semi-finals of the World Tour Super 300 Syed Modi International in Lucknow.
The duo stunned Japan’s world No. 13 Hiroki Midorikawa-Natsu Saito and Taiwan’s world No. 36 Chang Ko-chi-Lee Chih-chen en route to finishing in the last four.Pang Ron-Su Yin’s promising start was even more impressive considering that the 20-year-old Su Yin only started playing in mixed doubles in senior tournaments last May.
Before that, Su Yin was competing in the women’s doubles with her twin sister Cheng Su Hui.
She did well to win silver in mixed doubles in the Cambodia SEA Games along with Yap Roy King in May.
“Winning the silver medal in the Games gave me the confidence to switch to mixed doubles permanently,” said Su Yin.
“At first, I was unsure if switching events will be best for me but my coaches told me to believe in myself. Pang Ron also gave me a lot of support.
“I believe Pang Ron and I have what it takes to progress well.”
Su Yin is still adapting to her role in mixed doubles and is grateful to the 25-year-old Pang Ron for guiding her.
“I’m learning a lot from Pang Ron on my new role,” said Su Yin.
“There are many differences between women’s and mixed doubles and I need time to get used to the changes,” said Su Yin.
“For example, in mixed doubles, I need to be much faster at the front of the court compared to women’s doubles.”
Su Yin, who is currently ranked No. 92 in the world with Pang Ron, is out to move up the rankings this year.
The duo’s first assignment this year is the Thailand Masters beginning in Bangkok today.
Pang Ron-Su Yin have been handed a tough task from the first round onwards where they take on England’s world No. 28 Marcus Ellis-Lauren Smith.
If they manage to cause an upset, they will most likely take on fellow Malaysians and world No. 9 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei in the second round.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei should have no problems overcoming unheralded Australians Kenneth Choo-Gronya Summerville in their opening match.
