KUALA LUMPUR: Former Olympic silver medallist Goh Liu Ying has warned the national mixed doubles pairs not to let their hunger for victory turn into a stumbling block at the World Championships in Paris.
Malaysia will be represented by three pairs — world No. 4 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, world No. 6 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and world No. 16 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin — all of whom received first-round byes and begin their campaigns on Wednesday.
On Tang Jie-Ee Wei, Liu Ying said their fighting spirit is undeniable, but their eagerness sometimes leads to costly lapses.
“The ‘fire’ in this pair is always there. But sometimes they want to win too badly, and that’s when miscommunication can happen,” said Liu Ying, who won silver with Chan Peng Soon at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“Good communication is very important in a major tournament. Regardless of whether conditions are good or bad, communication must remain strong.”
Having experienced the highs and lows of the sport, Liu Ying stressed that mental toughness is often the deciding factor at world level.
“We always think about being in the best condition, but when we step on court, maybe I’m not in top form, or still trying to find my rhythm, especially after travel or jet lag,” she said.
“So we need to prepare for the worst first.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei are expected to open against India’s world No. 33 Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Shivani Gadde in the second round.
Liu Ying also offered advice for Malaysia’s two other pairs.
For Soon Huat-Shevon, she believes stability is crucial given their years on tour.
For Pang Ron-Su Yin, who have struggled for consistency since reaching the China Masters final last year, she urged a freer approach.
“There’s no need for them to feel stressed. The most important thing is their mental game and performing at 100 per cent,” said Liu Ying.
Soon Huat-Shevon are likely to face France’s world No. 36 Julien Maio-Lea Palermo in the second round, while Pang Ron-Su Yin are expected to meet Germany’s world No. 54 Malik Bourakkadi-Leona Michalski.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd