Peng Soon-Liu Ying aim for world’s top 10
the pressure on them to perform, national mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying aim to break into the world’s top 10 this year.
And they hope to achieve their goal by delivering in the next few tournaments, beginning with the US Open in Fullerton today.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medallists will open their campaign against South Korea's Seo Seung Jae-Chae Yu Jung in the opening round.
Since reuniting this year, following a six-month hiatus, to allow Liu Ying to undergo surgery in Germany, the former national No 1 pair have made steady progress, moving up to World No 31, after dropping out of the top 50 in December.
With the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games fast approaching, the Malaysians are looking at improving their position, to make the cut for the Games.
“We are definitely feeling the pressure to perform, and sometimes it’s overwhelming,” said Liu Ying yesterday.
“However, we also feel honoured, when there’s so much expectation on us.
“It only pushes us to do our best, especially right now, when we are still struggling to find our form.
“Looking at the draw, it’s not easy but it has never been easy.
“Our ranking is not great, so it leaves us with no choice but to fight hard, regardless who we face.”
“I wish for Peng Soon and I to achieve the targets set for us, as well as break into the top 10 again,” added Liu Ying, who together with Peng Soon, have reached a career high No 3 in the world ranking.
Drawn in the bottom half, Peng Soon-Liu Ying are also expected to play China’s Lu Kai-Chen Lu, if they reach the last four stage.
Since their reunion in January, Peng Soon-Liu Ying have captured the Thailand Masters title and reached the Australian Open final in May.