PETALING JAYA: Rising women’s doubles pair Low Zi Yu-Nuraqilah Maisarah Ramdan need to learn how to cope with growing expectations after attracting attention following their impressive performances in recent tournaments.
Zi Yu-Maisarah, who had excelled overseas, including finishing runners-up at the China Masters in Baoji, crashed out in the first round of the Malaysian Masters just three days after standing on the podium.
Zi Yu-Noraqilah went down 18-21, 12-21 to China’s Bao Lijing-Cao Zi Han, fresh from their Thailand Open triumph.
It was Zi Yu-Noraqilah’s debut in the Malaysian Masters, and they earned direct entry into the main draw.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky admitted that the Malaysian Masters posed a different challenge for the pair.
“We cannot rely only on our top players, but at the same time, it was unfair to expect too much from Zi Yu-Noraqilah, especially in a Super 500 tournament on home ground.
“They proved themselves in the Uber Cup Finals by contributing points for the team, but a team event is different from an individual tournament.
“I feel they may have played more freely elsewhere. I did speak to Zi Yu, and she admitted there was a little pressure.
“After their performances in the Uber Cup and in Baoji, expectations grew quickly, so I think it was a bit unfair to put too much on them,” said Rexy.
Rexy also wants Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee to adopt a stronger mindset if they hope to follow in the footsteps of Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah.
Carmen-Xin Yee, who are also Malaysia’s No. 2 women’s doubles pair, endured a disappointing Malaysian Masters campaign after losing 15-21, 20-22 to Taiwan’s Hsieh Yi-en-Teng Chun-hsun in the first round.
“What I hope is that they stay grounded and realise that they have already been given many opportunities to compete at that level.
“At this stage, I can no longer say lower-level tournaments are just for exposure. Their mindset now should be to go there and aim for the title, or at least reach the final,” added Rexy.
