PETALING JAYA: Women’s doubles coach Rosman Razak is not taking things lightly despite the absence of several big names in this year’s Malaysian Open starting today at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Several prominent players are absent, not just due to retirements but also as a result of partner reshuffles.
Among the notable absentee is the 2023 champion, Chen Qingchen, who retired shortly after securing a gold medal alongside Jia Yifan at last year’s Paris Olympics.
Japan’s Chiharu Shida, long associated with partner Nami Matsuyama, will now team up with Misaki Matsutomo.
Similarly, Siti Fadia Ramadhanti has been paired with a new partner, Lanny Tria since October last year, following a disheartening campaign at the Paris Olympics with Apriyani Rahayu.
For Rosman, this situation presents a tricky challenge for his charges – Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting and Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing as they lack latest data on their opponents.
Third seeds Pearly-Thinaah will face Fadia-Lanny in the first round.
Debutants Xin Yee-Carmen could potentially face Shida-Matsutomo in the second round if they overcome Taiwan’s Sung Shuo-yun-Yu Chien-hui in their opening match.
Pei Kee-Mei Xing will face world No. 35 Kokona Ishikawa-Mio Konegawa from Japan.
“It’s quite complicated because, although the pairings are new, the players remain the same,” said Rosman, after a training session at Axiata Arena yesterday.
“Previously, we had data and knew their playing styles, which allowed us to make preparations. But now, with so many new pairings, we have to start from scratch.
“This has created a whole new environment for women’s doubles.”
Malaysia also have another representative in the women’s doubles with professionals Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien taking on Taiwan’s Cheng Yu-pei-Su Yu-hsing.
