Badminton

Pang Ron eyes 2028 LA Olympics with new partner

KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles specialist Hoo Pang Ron believes time is on his side as he seeks to follow national teammate Chen Tang Jie's Olympic path.

The 26-year-old is setting his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games with his new partner, Cheng Su Yin.

Since pairing up late last year, the world No. 24 duo have made encouraging progress.

For Pang Ron, this stability comes as a relief after years of uncertainty.

Like Tang Jie, his career has weathered numerous ups and downs, particularly following a major shake-up in the mixed doubles department two years ago.

In 2022, Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei and Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See were the national team's top pairs.

After claiming gold and silver respectively at the Vietnam Sea Games, the partnerships were dissolved.

Yen Wei has since retired, while Yee See briefly turned professional before retiring in May.

While Tang Jie found success with new partner Toh Ee Wei in November 2022, Pang Ron's journey proved more challenging.

Despite showing initial promise with Ee Wei from June to November 2022, that partnership was short-lived.

A subsequent pairing with Teoh Mei Xing yielded limited success.

Meanwhile, Tang Jie-Ee Wei flourished, breaking into the world's top 10 and securing their Olympics debut in Paris, where they reached the quarter-finals.

Now partnered with Su Yin, Pang Ron sees fresh potential.

"That's life, you just have to accept whatever challenges come your way," he said.

"Whoever I'm paired with, I'll do my best to make things work. I respect the coach's decisions and welcome the challenges. I'm playing not just for myself, but for my country too.

"I'm really motivated now with Su Yin, who's five years younger. She's hardworking and eager to learn. Initially, she would just listen to my guidance, but now she contributes her own ideas. This two-way communication strengthens our partnership.

"I don't see why I can't emulate Tang Jie's success. I haven't slowed down for a day, in fact, I'm improving constantly."

Su Yin shares that Olympic ambitions. "2028 may seem distant, but it's definitely our goal, and we're working our hardest to get there."

The pair are scheduled to compete in the Kumamoto Masters Super 500 (Nov 12-17) and China Masters Super 750 (Nov 19-24).

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