Rexy urges Su Yin to ditch fear and play brave in Paris

New Straits Times

13 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has urged mixed doubles specialist Cheng Su Yin to adopt a more positive mindset as she and Hoo Pang Ron gear up for their World Championships debut in Paris from Aug 25-31.
World No 16 Pang Ron-Su Yin, seeded 15th, were one of Malaysia's brightest mixed doubles prospects last season, capping their rise with a run to the China Masters final.
But 2025 has told a different story.
They have crashed out in the early rounds of nine of 11 tournaments, sparking concern over their form and confidence.
Rexy believes the root of the problem lies in Su Yin's mental approach, saying the weight of expectation has blunted the fearless style that once defined her game.
"When she first joined, she had nothing to lose. She didn't think too much," said Rexy.
"But now, with people's expectations... maybe her mindset is, 'I can't lose. If I lose, this will happen, that will happen.' In the end, it affects her performance."
He said this shift has dulled her attacking instincts and left her hesitant in crucial moments.
"We can see it's not the same Su Yin who played so bravely before. Now, everything seems stuck," he added.
A telling example came at the Malaysia Open in January, when Pang Ron-Su Yin squandered a winning position against Taiwan's Lu Ming Che-Hung En Tzu.
After narrowly losing the first game 26-28, they stormed back to take the second 21-14 and led in the decider — only to falter and lose 22-24.
The collapse, despite being in control, proved a turning point that highlighted the need for a stronger mental approach.
Rexy said the pressure to win has become counterproductive, leading Su Yin to overthink and lose focus during rallies.
"She's afraid of losing and this leads her to start over-analysing things," he said.
He believes rediscovering her positivity — and playing with the freedom and confidence she once had — is key for the pair to realise their potential on the world stage.