KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing, brought cheer to the Malaysian badminton fraternity when they bagged the Maldives International Challenge title today.
The world No 49 upset top seeds Vinson Chiu-Jennie Gai of the United States 21-13, 21-18 to win their first title since the Malaysia International Challenge last December.
Earlier this year, Pang Ron-Mei Xing also reached the final of the Iran IC, but played second best to their more established teammates, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
"It's a small achievement for us, but we are happy to win this title. "We are motivated to work hard and try to win bigger tournaments after this," Mei Xing told Timesport.
Meanwhile in the men's singles event, independent shuttler Soong Joo Ven fought hard but couldn't land the crown as he succumbed 21-19, 21-18 to India's R. Ravi.
In the men's doubles final, fellow independent shuttlers, Low Hang Yee-Ng Eng Cheong fell short in their bid to complete a hat-trick of titles after going down 21-19, 21-16 to Thailand's Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsa Nga. Hang Yee-Eng Cheong claimed the Slovenia and Austrian Open titles last month.