PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Jimmy Wong-Lai Pei Jing are staying on track to break into the world's top 32 rankings despite missing out on their first mixed doubles title together in the Indonesian Masters.
Jimmy-Pei Jing, who only combined in March, went down fighting 21-13, 21-23, 14-21 to Denmark's world No. 93 Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje in Riau on Sunday (Sept 21).
The world No. 58 professionals had an opportunity to win when they held match point at 21-20 but could not convert and ended up losing in 68 minutes.
Despite the defeat, it was an encouraging performance from Jimmy-Pei Jing against Christiansen-Boje, who were ranked as high as No. 8 in 2022.
The experienced Danes dropped in the rankings after Christiansen was suspended for a year due to a doping offence and only returned to competitions last month.
It was a much improved display from the 23-year-old Jimmy and Pei Jing, 33 after they lost tamely 13-21, 16-21 to Christiansen-Boje in the Macau Open final last month.
The Malaysians also came close to winning titles in the Vietnam International Challenge, Phuket International Series and St Denis Reunion Open but were denied in all the three finals.
Although Jimmy-Pei Jing have not crossed over the line in competitions, they have a good chance to break into the world's top 32 rankings if they can maintain their form.
Moving into the top 32 will grant the pair access into World Tour Super 750 and 1000 events.
Jimmy-Pei Jing are expected to break into the top 50 after their runners-up finish in Indonesia.
The duo will be looking to finally end their title wait when they compete next in the Taiwan Masters starting on Tuesday in Kaohsiung.
Jimmy-Pei Jing will be out to justify their status as top seeds in the event.
