PETALING JAYA: Lai Pei Jing is hoping a fresh partnership with Hoo Pang Ron can finally end her long wait for a mixed doubles title.
The experienced shuttler has not won a crown since capturing the Korean Open in 2022 with Tan Kian Meng and is determined to change that despite starting a new chapter with Pang Ron.
Last year, Pei Jing came agonisingly close with Jimmy Wong after reaching eight finals, but the pair failed to convert any of them into titles before eventually splitting.
Now teaming up with Pang Ron, Pei Jing admits their immediate target is to rebuild their ranking, but lifting a trophy remains high on her list.
“My short-term target is of course to get back into the top 32 as soon as possible,” said Pei Jing.
“Secondly, I want to win a title because Jimmy and I also did not manage to win one together.
“So no matter who I partner, I still have the same goal. Hopefully that can happen.”
Pei Jing and Pang Ron will begin their partnership at the Malaysian Masters, where they face seventh seeds Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi of China in the opening round.
However, the pair are keeping expectations modest after only recently beginning proper training together.
“Only last week did we start proper training. Both of us are still trying to find our playing style together,” said Pei Jing.
“We are not thinking too much about this tournament, but whatever we can give, we will give. That is my mindset for now.”
The pair currently do not have a world ranking and are relying on notional ranking points based on the combined rankings they held with their former partners.
After ending her partnership with Jimmy, who returned to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Pei Jing now hopes this latest partnership can finally deliver the title she has been chasing.
