PETALING JAYA: National mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin is determined to cast aside fear and self-doubt as she targets a stronger showing in her second All-England appearance, which begins today.
The mental battle has previously hampered her partnership with Hoo Pang Ron, particularly in closing out tight matches, but Su Yin said steady encouragement from coach Nova Widianto and her teammates has helped rebuild her confidence.
“My confidence has improved bit by bit. Coach Nova has helped me a lot and keeps reminding me that I can do it – until I truly believe it,” she said.
The boost comes at the right time as world No. 20 Pang Ron-Su Yin prepare to face India’s Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto in the opening round. The Malaysians will be cautious, having lost to the same pair in three games at last year’s Asian Championships in Ningbo.
Su Yin also dismissed concerns over her recent right calf injury, insisting she is fully fit.
“If you go into a tournament feeling scared, there’s no point competing. We’re aiming for at least the quarter-finals, but what matters most is giving everything on court and not being afraid to play,” she added.
Last year, Pang Ron-Su Yin’s debut ended in a first-round defeat to South Korea’s Ki Dong-ju-Jeong Na-eun while teammates Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei also exited early, compounding a disappointing campaign for the Malaysian camp.
