KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee may have secured their partnership after clinching their first international title at the Malaysia Super 100 at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara today.
World No. 112 Mei Xing-Pei Kee pulled off a stunning upset, defeating No. 50 Nicole Gonzales Chan-Yang Chu Yun of Taiwan 22-20, 21-11 in a 42-minute final.
Mei Xing-Pei Kee, who were previously playing in mixed doubles, were allowed to focus entirely on the women's doubles earlier this year after the Uber Cup in Chengdu in May.
Mei Xing had been partnering Hoo Pang Ron, while Pei Kee teamed up with Choong Hon Jian in mixed doubles.
However, mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto permitted the duo to concentrate on the women's doubles, and today's victory marked a significant breakthrough as they secured their first title in just their sixth tournament together.
Mei Xing-Pei Kee hope their partnership will continue when a new women's doubles coach is appointed.
It is understood that, except for world No. 7 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, the other pairs could face a reshuffle.
However, with this victory, Mei Xing-Pei Kee may have made a strong case to national coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
Rosman Razak, rumoured to be the next women's doubles coach, was present at Juara Stadium to witness the final.
"It's such a relief to finally win a title after early-round exits in previous tournaments," said Mei Xing.
"This victory is a reward for all the hard work and setbacks we've endured.
"We don't know what the new coach's plans will be for us, but we'll be happy if we're given the chance to continue as a pair."
Reflecting on her previous partnership, Mei Xing added: "Sometimes I felt confused about my career when I was partnering Anna Cheong, but with Pei Kee, I feel reassured."
Mei Xing and her former partner Anna were once tipped for great things after reaching the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open and Malaysia Masters in 2022. However, Anna's knee injury dashed those hopes.
Pei Kee was emotional after the win, holding back tears.
"We didn't expect to reach the final, and this victory is huge for me. If we're given another chance, this could be the start of something bigger for us."
Meanwhile, Rexy Mainaky said the decision regarding the pair's future will rest with the new coach.
"The new head coach will evaluate the current pairs and decide on any reshuffles. "He will also discuss with Mei Xing-Pei Kee, but whether they stay together or not is up to him."
RESULTS
(All finals)
Men's singles: Chi Yu Jen (Tai) bt Jason Teh (Sin) 21-12, 21-23, 21-15;
Doubles: Low Hang Yi-Ng Eng Cheong bt Presley Smith-Chen Zhi Yi (US) 19-21, 21-15, 21-12'
Women's singles: Kaoru Sugiyama (Jpn) bt Manami Suizu (Jpn) 21-18, 21-14; Doubles: Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee bt Nicole Gonzales Chan-Yang Chu Yun (Tai) 22-20, 21-11;
Mixed doubles: Ye Hong Wei-Nicole Gonzales Chan (Tai) bt Yuichi Shimogami-Sayaka Hobara (Jpn) 21-19, 12-21, 22-20.