Our mixed pairing can walk tall
Peng Soon-Yee See’s gallant run comes to an end in semis
PETALING JAYA: Chan Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See’s gallant run in the Korean Open has came to an end – but the mixed doubles pair can still walk tall.
Peng Soon-Yee See went down 15-21, 9-21 to world No. 13 Wang Yilyu-Huang Dongping of China in the semi-finals of the Superseries in Seoul yesterday.
It was their first semi-final appearance in the Superseries since being paired up in June.
National mixed doubles head coach Chin Eei Hui is pleased with their overall performance, especially the rise of the 21-year-old Yee See.
Yee See, who was brought in to replace Goh Liu Ying as Peng Soon’s partner four months ago, has done justice to her selection thus far.
Liu Ying, who partnered Peng Soon to win silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and finish as runners-up at the 2017 All-England, is still recovering from a shoulder operation in May.
“I’m impressed although Peng Soon-See Yee lost. Yee See has stepped up to the plate since we teamed her up with Peng Soon,” said Eei Hui.
“I cannot compare her standard with Liu Ying’s. That would be unfair but she really has improved in every aspect. She still has a long way to go but we know that she is on the right track.”
Eei Hui is also satisfied with the overall progress shown by the mixed doubles department.
World No. 10 Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing lost to compatriots Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie in the second round of the Korean Open.
As for Soon Huat-Shevon, it was their first quarter-final appearance in the Superseries.
“I have to admit that Kian Meng-Pei Jing didn’t play true to their form. Maybe there was added pressure playing against their teammates. This is something they have to learn to manage,” said Eei Hui.
“I have mixed feelings about Soon HuatShevon. They have to be more consistent. They can play either very well or very dismally. They’re not steady enough.
“Overall, the mixed doubles group is doing fine. The senior players are doing their part in guiding the juniors and I’m happy with that.”
All three pairs will now shift their attention to the Japan Open, which begins in Tokyo on Wednesday.