A dampener: Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing lost 11-21, 9-21 to Bulgarian sisters Gabriela-Stefani Stoeva.
PETALING JAYA: Losing is always painful, but for women’s doubles pair Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee, the heavy defeat they suffered in the second round of the World Championships in Paris on Wednesday was even harder to swallow.
The setback was a harsh reminder that they still have a long way to go if they are to compete with the world’s elite.
Mei Xing-Pei Kee drew criticism after being outplayed by Bulgarian sisters Gabriela-Stefani Stoeva 11-21, 9-21.
It was a big blow for Mei Xing, who had hoped to go further in her third world meet.
The pair had also prepared well and were encouraged after their world ranking rose to No. 18 just weeks before the tournament.
But in fairness, their opponents are seasoned campaigners who were once ranked world No. 8 and are also four-time European champions.
A visibly dejected Mei Xing admitted that the game plan drawn up with coach Rosman Razak could not be executed on court, which contributed to their inability to put up a fight against the Stoeva siblings.
“Our strategy did not work and we didn’t have the ability to overcome them.
“We need to work hard to improve this aspect,” said Mei Xing.
Pei Kee, meanwhile, conceded that her world meet debut did not go as she had hoped, as the sisters’ powerful smashes left them with no answers.
“I think it was mainly because of their strength. We lost because of their power. For me, like in any other tournament, I just want to give my best,” said Pei Kee.
