Rising stars target Malaysia Open after India disappointment
Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean believe they have come of age despite falling short in their bid to win the India Open women’s doubles title in New Delhi yesterday.
The Malaysians were defeated 21-11, 2523 by World No 5 Greysia Polii-Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia.
And although they failed to land their maiden top-tier crown, Mei Kuan-Meng Yean can still hold their heads high for putting up a brilliant performance throughout the week.
This bodes well for the World No 17, who will now shift their focus to the Malaysia Open that starts tomorrow.
“We were unlucky in the second game but despite losing this match our spirits are still high because we never gave up until the end.
“I believe Mei Kuan and I have matured since the end of 2018, and we are very happy with our progress,” said Meng Yean in New Delhi yesterday.
“After this, however, there’s no time to rest because we will be heading back (to Kuala Lumpur) straight for the Malaysia Open.
“We have been preparing ourselves mentally and physically so we want to continue this form. We can do better,” she added.
Greysia-Apriyani pocketed US$27,650 (RM113,000) while Mei Kuan-Meng Yean settled for US$13,300 (RM54,300).
In the opening round of the Malaysia Open, Mei Kuan-Meng Yean will once again face Thailand’s World No 10 Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajongjai, who they defeated in the semifinals in New Delhi.
“Our target is to first make the quarterfinals, but we know it won’t be easy especially with a tough opening match. Still, we have proven that we can defeat the Thai pair, so we really want to do it again,” said Meng Yean.