Still swinging strong as Mei Xing fights against time
After nearly 17 months together with Go Pei Kee, the world No. 18 pair are now just one step away from matching or even surpassing the highest world ranking of Mei Xing's career.
She previously hit a career-high of world No. 17 with Anna Cheong, a partnership that delivered two titles – the Syed Modi International and the Czech Open in 2021 before it ended when Anna suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and later left the national team in September last year.
Mei Xing had to start from scratch with Pei Kee, and she admits the climb this time has been far tougher than her earlier rise with Anna.
'I was fortunate as my ranking with Anna went up during the Covid-19 period when not many players were competing, so it was much easier compared to now,' said Mei Xing.
'But my current rise in the rankings came after the Paris Olympics, when there were scratch pairings, some players had stopped competing and others were just returning to the game. So it's not as easy as people might think, nor is it too difficult, but it is still challenging.
'I had to start all over again. Many people had told me to give up badminton, but I thought it over and decided to just do my job and give my best,' said Mei Xing.
One of the challenges Mei Xing has faced is the perception that, at 28, she has been in the national team far too long.
She silenced some of those critics last month with a strong showing at the Japan Open, ousting world No. 9 pair Kie Nakanishi-Rin Iwanaga of Japan to reach the quarter-finals.
'Some told me to stop because of my age. There were those who said I was old and questioned when I would leave the national team.
'There have been plenty of such voices, but I feel that as long as I can play, I want to keep going, especially since I don't have any serious injuries.
'More importantly, I know myself better because I'm the one stepping onto the court, not those voices,' added Mei Xing.
Mei Xing-Pei Kee will join world No. 2 pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah at the World Championships in Paris later this month, and are eagerly awaiting the draw scheduled for next Wednesday.
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