PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin knows her new partnership with Jimmy Wong may not last long if the pair fail to convince the coaching team, but she is ready to accept whatever decision is made.
Su Yin is hoping for more time to prove herself with Jimmy, considering they have only been playing together for three months.
“I think I’m ready because the coaches see the bigger picture. If they feel we are not suitable as a pair or that our playing styles are not compatible, then I’m prepared to accept that decision,” said Su Yin.
National mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto had earlier hinted that Jimmy and Su Yin could be split if they fail to produce encouraging results.
Nova is under pressure to rebuild the mixed doubles department following world champion Toh Ee Wei’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which has forced Chen Tang Jie to temporarily partner youngster Clarissa San.
Jimmy and Su Yin have competed in four tournaments together so far – the Malaysian Masters, Singapore Open, Indonesian Open and Australian Open.
Although they stunned world No. 1 Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin of China in the opening round of the Singapore Open, they were unable to build on that breakthrough as all four tournaments ended in early exits.
Su Yin, however, believes they are still in the process of understanding each other’s game.
“From my side, I think our partnership has been okay. We’re still a new pair and are trying to adapt to each other’s playing style.
“I think we communicate well on court. If I miss a shot, he is there to cover for me, and it’s the same the other way round. We always help each other.”
Jimmy returned to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) with Su Yin in April after previously playing with Lai Pei Jing, while Su Yin’s former partner Hoo Pang Ron left the national set-up to join the independent ranks.
