PETALING JAYA: The role of women’s doubles player Carmen Ting (pic) has changed in just six months and she is eagerly waiting for a bigger task.
In October, Carmen did her part in helping the national junior squad secure a bronze medal at the World Junior Mixed Team Championships in Nanchang, China.
Now, the 19-year-old finds herself back in the land of the Great Wall, this time as part of the senior team’s Sudirman Cup campaign starting tomorrow.
Carmen knows this will be a completely different experience, as the level of competition in the senior ranks is far more intense.
The Johor-born shuttler is the youngest member of the national squad for this year’s campaign, but she isn’t overawed by the occasion thanks to the support and encouragement shown by her more senior teammates.
What makes her appearance even more interesting is the change in pairing. Carmen, who usually plays alongside Ong Xin Yee, has been selected to partner Go Pei Kee for the tournament, offering the team a fresh and exciting combination.
For Carmen, this call-up is a golden opportunity to gain valuable experience and grow as a player.
“I’m really excited because this is the highest-level team competition I’ve ever been part of, and I hope to learn as much as I can from the senior players,” said Carmen.
It will be an uphill task for Carmen-Pei Kee to break into the playing line-up as they are up against the team’s top pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah.
Malaysia will begin their Sudirman Cup campaign against France tomorrow, but Carmen-Pei Kee are more likely to feature in the match against Australia on Tuesday.
