PETALING JAYA: Women’s doubles shuttler Teoh Mei Xing (pic) is happy to play the role of mentor to her younger teammates while waiting for her partner Anna Cheong to recover from injury.
Anna has been struggling to remain fully fit ever since she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee in 2022.
The 25-year-old made her competitive return along with Mei Xing last August after a year out of action but has not been able to shake off her injury completely.
Anna-Mei Xing, who were once ranked as high as No. 17 in the world before dropping to No. 53 in the latest rankings, played in the Malaysian Open last month before the former again found herself sidelined with a knee issue.
Anna-Mei Xing have pulled out of the back-to-back French Open (March 5-10) and All-England (March 12-17) due to the former’s injury.
While other players would have been frustrated seeing their partner struggle with injuries, the 26-year-old Mei Xing had remained positive.
In fact, she has been guiding the likes of Tan Zhing Yi, 20, Go Pei Kee and Low Yeen Yuan (both 21) while she patiently waits for Anna to be ready to compete again.
“As a senior, I have to help my younger teammates,” said Mei Xing.
“I can mentor them while Anna recovers and continue to do my part well.”
Mei Xing was chosen to form a scratch pairing with Zhing Yi in the Asia Team Championships at the Setia City Convention Center last week.
Pei Kee-Yeen Yuan, who are currently ranked No. 86 in the world were also part of the squad in the team meet.
Mei Xing-Zhing Yi put up an encouraging display against Thailand’s world No. 14 Benyapa Aimsaaird-Nuntakarn Aimsaard before losing 17-21, 18-21 in a group match.
“I could see that Zhing Yi has good potential for the future,” said Mei Xing.
“I felt comfortable on court with her.
“As for Pei Kee-Yeen Yuan, they need to gain more experience by competing in more tournaments.
“They are still young and have time on their side to improve.”
