PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Hoo Pang Ron has hinted that his first-round match at the Asian Championships in Ningbo, China on Wednesday (April 8) could be his final outing with partner Cheng Su Yin.
In the match held at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre, Pang Ron-Su Yin failed to advance to the second round after being forced to retire against world No. 147 pair Kim Jae-hyeon-Jang Ha-jeong.
Pang Ron picked up an injury in the second game, with the pair trailing 14-21, 6-9 at the time.
“Not the ending I hoped for, an elbow injury forced me to walk over. Couldn’t bend or straighten my elbow,” said Pang Ron, who shared a photo of his injured arm on his personal social media.
Pang Ron’s post has further fuelled speculation that the pair could be split, after mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto had earlier issued an ultimatum for them to improve their performances at the Asian Championships or risk being separated.
For the record, Pang Ron-Su Yin have been partnering with each other since November 2023.
