Let’s get it right, this time
Pei Jing-Kian Meng aim to get their game going in Odense
PETALING JAYA: It is hard to run away from pressure – more so if you are the country’s top mixed doubles pair.
And Lai Pei Jing found this out the hard way after struggling in the last two tournaments. But she is determined to get it right with Tan Kian Meng at the Denmark Open in Odense from Oct 17-22.
The world No. 10 lost in the second round of the Korean Open in Seoul and the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo last month.
Pei Jing-Kian Meng have been thrust into the limelight as the country’s top pair following the brief separation of Rio Olympic Games silver medallists Chan Peng SoonGoh Liu Ying due to the latter’s shoulder surgery in May.
Those ranked lower than Kian Meng-Pei Jing are Goh Soon HuatShevon Lai Jemie (world No. 14) and Peng Soon-Cheah Yee See (world No. 39). Peng Soon-Liu Ying have dropped to No. 24 in the world due to inactivity.
Pei Jing said that the only way to beat the pressure was to enjoy the game once again.
“I have to admit that the pressure is intense after we became the top pair. Kian Meng and I have started to become uptight. We always want to win and lost our rhythm along the way,” said Pei Jing.
“We get frustrated with every defeat. We feel like we’ve let ourselves and our family, coaches and the team down.
“We’ve lost confidence. We’ve allowed the pressure to get to us.
“I can’t remember when was the last time Kian Meng and I enjoyed the game.”
Knowing what is troubling them has only re-energised the pair to get their game back on track.
Like Pei Jing said: “It’s time to put the positive energy back into our game.”
She also credited the National Sports Institute (NSI) psychologist for helping her to manage expectations.
“Even the tiniest problems can effect one’s game. It helps to confide in someone and get some guidance,” she said.
At the Denmark Open, Pei JingKian Meng will take on Seung Jaeseo-Kim Ha-na of South Korea in the opening round.
The biggest challenge for the seventh seeds will come in the quarter-finals, where they should meet top seeds Zheng Siwei-Chen Qingchen of China.
“Hopefully, Kian Meng and I will be able to get our game going again at the Denmark Open. We still have a chance to qualify for the World Superseries Finals in December,” said Pei Jing.
Pei Jing-Kian Meng are No. 10 in the Superseries ranking.
They have to finish in the top eight after the completion of four more legs – in Denmark, France, China and Hong Kong – to earn a spot in the Dubai Finals from Dec 13-17.