KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles shuttler Tan Kian Meng has downplayed any misunderstandings with partner Lai Pei Jing.
Kian Meng and Pei Jing are likely to play their last Malaysian Open together this year.
The tournament is set to start on Tuesday at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
There has been speculation that Kian Meng, 30, and Pei Jing, 32, have not been on good terms, but he said their issues have been resolved.
Kian Meng said their decision to retire this year would depend on his injury problems and sponsorship, not their misunderstanding.
"Pei Jing and I did have some misunderstandings, but it’s in the past," he said after a training session at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Sunday (Jan 5).
He added that the two had held a meeting to discuss the issues, and said that everything has been resolved.
"We just had issues where sometimes when my body’s condition was not good, I skipped training. Pei Jing can get a bit emotional sometimes, and she also wants to do well in tournaments,” said Kian Meng.
"This is normal in partnerships. It’s not a big deal. We are all good now," he added.
On their retirement plans, Kian Meng said; "this will likely be our last Malaysian Open. I have many injury problems, and our contract with our equipment sponsor Victor also ends in April."
"For now, we plan to play until the All-England in March. After that, we will see if we can renew our contract with Victor or get new sponsors,” he added.
"If we don’t get any sponsors and I cannot manage my injuries, then we have no choice but to retire
"I believe it is also time to give way to the juniors. We need to develop more youngsters in the mixed doubles. Pei Jing also has her own plans,” said Kian Ming.
