KUALA LUMPUR: Vivian Hoo has hailed her younger brother, Hoo Pang Ron, for stepping out of her shadow and forging his own badminton legacy after his exploits at the China Masters.
Vivian, 34, is a two-time Commonwealth Games women's doubles champion, having won gold in Glasgow 2014 with Woon Khe Wei and in Gold Coast 2018 with Chow Mei Kuan. She was ranked world No. 9 with Khe Wei, winning the Sea Games gold medal in 2013 and the Asian Games bronze in Incheon 2014.
Her achievements have long overshadowed her 26-year-old brother, but Pang Ron has now earned his place in the spotlight after finishing runners-up with Cheng Su Yin at the Super 750 China Masters in Shenzhen today.
Pang Ron-Su Yin put up a valiant effort before losing 21-23, 25-23, 21-16 to world No. 2 Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping of China in their maiden World Tour final.
Vivian, who now plays women's doubles as an independent player with Lim Chiew Sien, is delighted with her brother's progress in the mixed doubles discipline.
"I want him to create his own legacy and no longer be overshadowed by my achievements. I'm really happy for him," said Vivian.
"He has improved a lot. It has been quite a while since I last saw him play like this.
"Although Pang Ron-Su Yin lost the final, they gave a great fight. It was very close.
"I believe they can break into the top 10 if they maintain consistency."
Vivian also revealed that Pang Ron regularly seeks her advice as he strives to make it big in badminton.
"Pang Ron always comes to see me for advice. I hope he will achieve great things as a player," she added.