So close and yet so far for Peng Soon-Liu Ying
could not have come any closer for Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who held two match points, before crashing out in the mixed doubles quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open yesterday.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games silver medallists played their hearts out but it was not enough to prevent Wang Yilyu-Huang Dongping of China from reaching the last four.
Second seeded Yilyu-Dongping chalked up a 21-19, 16-21, 27-25 win at the Axiata Arena.
“We just couldn’t finish off the match, it was so close,” said a disappointed Peng Soon.
“We played well and it’s such a waste that we couldn’t win,” he added.
Liu Ying lamented she squandered a number of clear sitters.
“Tactically, we did almost everything right but we just couldn’t nail those crucial points.
“We should have made those shots but we didn’t. There’s no one to blame but ourselves,” said Liu Ying.
Amid poor outings in Europe last month (German Open and All England), the Malaysian No 1 believe they have regained some confidence going into the Singapore Open next week.
“I think after playing in the Malaysian Open, we have regained some confidence.
“We hope to play better in Singapore,” said Peng Soon.
The duo also assured the BA of Malaysia that they are ready to shoulder the responsibility if they are considered for the Sudirman Cup in Nanning, China next month.
“We are all playing for Malaysia. If they (BAM) can trust us, we will be ready to shoulder that responsibility,” added Liu Ying.
Tactically, we did almost everything right but we just couldn't nail those crucial points.