Underdog mindset fires Pang Ron-Pei Jing into China Masters quarters

KUALA LUMPUR - Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing stunned China's world No. 9 Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi and advanced to the China Masters quarter-finals on Thursday by embracing their underdog status. The world No. 85 Malaysian duo displayed remarkable resilience in sealing a 24-22, 21-19 victory at the Shenzhen Arena. This was a significant result for Pang Ron-Pei Jing, who were competing in their first tournament after a three-month break following the Macau Open in June.

They also avenged their first-round loss to Cheng Xing-Zhang Zhi at the Malaysia Masters in May, where the Chinese pair overcame a game deficit to win 13-21, 21-12, 21-16.

Pang Ron-Pei Jing explained that entering the match without the pressure of expectation allowed them to fight freely against their higher-ranked opponents. "As I always say, we went in as the underdogs, so we just fought for everything," said Pang Ron. After winning the first game, their confidence grew, which they carried into the second.

The Malaysians had to dig deep in both games, especially during a tense opening contest that went into extra points. Pei Jing attributed their success to their consistency under pressure, stating that they were more consistent at the crucial points than their opponents.

However, Pei Jing downplayed suggestions that the victory was revenge for their Malaysia Masters defeat. She emphasized that both pairs delivered an excellent match for the audience. Pang Ron-Pei Jing's win earned them their first quarter-final appearance at a Super 750 tournament. Pang Ron expressed his hope that this momentum would continue, as they aim to reach the final again, similar to their 2024 performance with former partner Cheng Su Yin.

Pang Ron-Pei Jing will face either India's Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto or Taiwan's Liu Kuang Heng-Hsu Yin Hui for a spot in the semi-finals.