PETALING JAYA: While most players have already begun their 2026 season by competing in several tournaments this month, world No. 23 women’s doubles pair Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee are still waiting to make their first appearance of the year.
They were initially slated to compete in the recent Malaysian Open from Jan 6-11 and had even undergone court testing beforehand.
However, their plans were derailed after Pei Kee was struck down by influenza just two days before the tournament began.
As a result, the pair were also forced to withdraw from the Indian Open and Indonesian Masters.
Mei Xing said she could only wait for instructions from the coaching team while maintaining a positive mindset, knowing that the situation was beyond their control.
“Of course, at the beginning I felt sad and there was nothing I could do because her body (Pei Kee) was not well at the time and she was not in her best condition. In situations like this, no one can be blamed and I can only stay positive.
“There is definitely frustration at not being able to play, but I cannot think negatively because if I do, I will only feel even sadder. I can only look forward,” said Mei Xing.
It is understood that Pei Kee has since recovered from influenza, but misfortune has struck again as she is now dealing with a lower back injury.
This means Mei Xing-Pei Kee are expected to wait even longer before returning to action, with neither player listed for the German Open, which begins on Feb 24, followed by the All-England scheduled to start on March 3.
Previously, Pei Kee had also suffered an ankle sprain at the Hylo Open in November last year, but she recovered in time to compete at the Thailand SEA Games in December.
