17 hours ago
Pei Jing to spar with France's world championships team
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian shuttlers have long been sought after for their expertise by European counterparts, and now it's Lai Pei Jing's turn to render her service abroad.
The mixed doubles specialist, who forms a professional partnership with Jimmy Wong, will travel to France later this month, after the Macau Open, to serve as sparring partner to the French national team for two weeks in their preparations for the World Championships in Paris from July 25-Aug 31.
Pei Jing revealed that she was approached by the French coaches when competing at the Luxembourg Open in May.
She said she went to seek coach Teo Kok Siang's blessings because this was also a crucial period for the independent shuttlers' camp as teammates such as world No. 6 Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie are also gearing up for the world meet.
"During a tournament in Luxembourg, the French coaches approached me and asked if I was interested in sparring with their players," said Pei Jing when met at the launch of the SBE Serla Charity Badminton Championship here today.
"I guess it's because they don't have female players who can offer strong competition.
"I spoke to my coach about it because the players here also need me.
"But he understood my situation — that I need the money — so he gave me his blessing to go.
"This is my first time serving as a sparring partner for another country, but my heart remains with the Malaysian players," she added.
The French will be counting on their star players — Alex Lanier in the men's singles, the Popov brothers, Toma Junior and Christo, in the men's doubles, and Thom Gicquel–Delphine Delrue in the mixed doubles — in their bid for a historic medal at the world meet.
Pei Jing herself had managed nine appearances at the World Championships, three with Tan Aik Quan and six with Tan Kian Meng, and came closest to winning a medal in 2022 when they reached the quarter-finals.
Pei Jing lent her support to the SBE Serla Charity Badminton Championship acknowledging the backing she had previously received from some of its sponsors.
The tournament, set for this Sunday at Stadium Juara, aims to raise funds for Persatuan Memperbaiki Akhlak Che Tan Khor and Persatuan Amal & Kebajikan Amal Zhong Hua in Tanjong Malim.
Apart from cash donations, sponsors such as SpectacleX and Bergamot are also contributing spectacles and medical supplies for NGOs in need.
