PETALING JAYA: Uncertainty still surrounds Malaysia’s women’s doubles strategy for the Thailand SEA Games, with coaches yet to indicate whether they’ll follow the men’s lead by fielding scratch pairs or stick with their regular combinations when the team event begins on Sunday.
Teoh Mei Xing expects to continue partnering Go Pei Kee and believes Pearly Tan-Thinaah will remain intact, but Pei Kee’s current condition may force adjustments. She is still recovering from flu and an ankle injury suffered at the French Open.
“After the Hylo Open, both of us picked up injuries and we used the time to rest and undergo recovery. Over the last two weeks, we have been training and preparing carefully. I hope to do my best and at the same time I hope Pei Kee can return to full fitness soon.
“I don’t think that (scratch pairs) will happen. Coach Rosman Razak has not mentioned anything about it and we feel the original pairings are stronger.
“Honestly, the coaches have not told us anything about targets. I think they want to avoid putting pressure on us, but they want us to go out there and give everything we have,” said Mei Xing.
To strengthen the squad for the team event, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have also listed world mixed doubles champions Toh Ee Wei and Cheng Su Yin. Ee Wei previously partnered Pearly at junior level, finishing runners-up at the 2018 World Junior Championships.
For Mei Xing, this SEA Games appearance carries extra significance. Despite being the most senior player in the squad, it will be her first multi-sport event after missing out in previous cycles.
She has never competed in the SEA Games, Asian Games or Commonwealth Games.
“Everything aligned this year. It feels like a blessing, and I want to make the most of this chance and bring home a medal.”
The women’s team last won a medal in 2017 when they clinched bronze in Kuala Lumpur.
The SEA Games badminton team event begins on Sunday at Thammasat University in Pathum Thani.
