PETALING JAYA: Independent mixed doubles shuttler Lai Pei Jing has accepted an invitation to spar with the French team ahead of the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris.
The experienced Pei Jing was approached by French coaches when she was competing with Jimmy Wong in the Luxembourg Open in May.
"During a tournament in Luxembourg, French coaches approached me and asked if I was interested in sparring with their players.
"I spoke to my coach (Teo Kok Siang) about it because the players here (in Malaysia) also need me.
"But he understood that I needed the money, so he gave me his blessing.
"This is my first time serving as a sparring partner for another country – but my heart remains with the Malaysian players," said Pei Jing.
The French team, which includes world No. 8 Alex Lanier (men's singles) and world No. 7 Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue (mixed doubles) will definitely be eyeing a good showing in the world meet at home.
Pei Jing, who will turn 33 in August, made nine appearances in the world meet, three with Tan Aik Quan and six with Tan Kian Meng, and came closest to winning a medal in 2022 when she and Kian Meng reached the quarter-finals.
Pei Jing ended her partnership with Kian Meng in March after the latter decided to retire from the sport.
