KUALA LUMPUR: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee’s steady rise is a bright sign for Malaysian badminton.
The 19-year-olds stunned world No. 11 Hsieh Pei Shan-Hung En Tzu 22-20, 18-21, 21-10 at the Kumamoto Masters in Japan on Tuesday.
It was their biggest career win yet and a statement performance against one of the season’s in-form pairs.
The Taiwanese duo had captured Super 300 titles in Macau and Taiwan, before coming in semi-finalists at the Arctic Open in Finland.
Yet Carmen-Xin Yee showed composure beyond their years to prevail in the 59-minute first-round duel.
It marks another step forward in their debut year with the senior national team.
Currently ranked world No. 34, they are now eligible for most World Tour main draws.
That exposure is invaluable, offering regular competition against top-ranked opponents.
Recent months have also seen Carmen-Xin Yee pushing some of the world’s best to the limit.
They took world No. 3 Kim Hye Jeong-Kong Hee Yong to three games at the Denmark Open.
They also stretched Japan’s No. 7 Rin Iwanaga-Kie Nakanishi in another close encounter at the Japan Open.
Each hard-fought match reflects steady growth, belief, and improving tactical maturity under pressure.
With Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah established as world No. 2, Malaysia’s women’s doubles looks in good hands.
Go Pei Kee-Teoh Mei Xing, currently world No. 22, have struggled to break into the elite bracket.
That makes Carmen-Xin Yee’s progress timely — showing the national team’s depth is strengthening.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
