Time for mixed pairs to deliver goods, says Nova
Malaysia mixed doubles shuttlers Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The men's and women's doubles have set the bar this year and now it is time for the mixed doubles to raise theirs.
Mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto wants his charges, including top pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei to draw inspiration from the success of the men's and women's pairs this year and start delivering titles.
The men's doubles department has been particularly impressive, with Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun capturing the Indonesian Masters and Malaysian Masters, while Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have added the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open to their collection.
The women's doubles have also stepped up, with Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah winning the Thailand Open. Now, Nova hopes his mixed doubles pairs can follow suit and secure at least one title, whether at the Japan Open (from July 15-20), China Open (from July 22-27), or any tournament before the World Championships in Paris this August. Besides Tang Jie-Ee Wei, the other BAM pair to compete in the Japan and China Opens are Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin. They will be joined by professional pairs, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien. "Preparation has been okay. We've had about a month to prepare since the Indonesian Open," said Nova when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysian on Friday (27 June) "Previously, starting from the Singapore Open, things didn't go well for us, the results in Singapore weren't great, and it was the same in Indonesia.
"Now we're heading into the Japan and China Opens, and hopefully, we can produce strong results. The success of the men's and women's doubles should serve as motivation for us in the mixed doubles to also win. Ideally, one title, or even both, in Japan and China.
"Previously, we had a few issues, but now I feel that communication has improved. However, in terms of game play, I don't think we're at our best yet. But communication-wise, they're in a much better place now."
He also believes the retirement of China's dominant duo Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong has created a golden opportunity for other pairs to rise.
"Ever since Siwei-Huang stopped playing, I feel the chance for all pairs to win titles is more open. So whoever is well-prepared and mentally strong has a real shot at becoming champions. "That's why we also have a good opportunity at the World Championships, and we must make the most of it. "Even the current Chinese pairs (Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping and Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin) aren't stable yet. I think they're still uncertain because they've suffered a few defeats. Maybe it's because they're still trying out different combinations," he added.
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