Kejayaan dalam GP Emas Masters Malaysia 2017 mengembalikan motivasi buat pemain beregu campuran negara, Lai Pei Jing selepas mengalami krisis keyakinan berikutan masalah kesihatan serta kecederaan sebelum ini.
Pei Jjing tidak menafikan dirinya tidak berada di tahap yang terbaik bagi menghadapi kejohanan sulung buatnya serta Tan Kian Meng tahun ini.
Namun, mereka mendapat undian yang cukup baik di mana tidak berdepan lawan sukar dalam laluan ke final.
Hanya aksi separuh akhir mencetus sedikit kegusaran dengan aksi tiga set diperlukan untuk mengetepikan gandingan dari Hong Kong, Tam Chun Hei-Ng Tsz Yau.
"Saya mengalami kecederaan sebelum mengharungi cabaran GP Emas Masters kali ini, saya berada di tahap yang tidak baik, kecewa dengan prestasi diri sendiri, tetapi kami amat bernasib baik kerana memenangi gelaran ini," kata Pei Jing.
Pertarungan final menyaksikan mereka mengatasi rakan senegara dan juga beregu campuran ketiga negara, Goh Soon Huat serta Shevon Lai Jemie, dengan kemenangan straight sets.
Tumpuan mereka selepas ini sudah pasti terarah kepada Kejohanan Berpasukan Campuran Asia di Vietnam, Terbuka Jerman dan juga saingan Seluruh England pada Mac.
Buat Kian Meng, pengalaman untuk beraksi buat kali pertama dalam Seluruh England amat dinanti-nantikan dengan sasaran ke suku akhir kejohanan berkenaan menjadi matlamat awal.
"Kami bermain dengan baik dalam perlawanan hari ini, kami berjaya mempamerkan permainan yang cemerlang. Saya tidak sabar untuk beraksi dalam Seluruh England, saya meletakkan sasaran untuk mara ke suku akhir," jelas Kian Meng.
Ammar Hakim
Sun Jan 22 2017
Al-Khaleej 0-1 Al-Nassr: Ronaldo misfires on return as Laporte nets winner
It was Aymeric Laporte, rather than Cristiano Ronaldo, who spared Al-Nassr's blushes against mid-table Al-Khaleej in Dammam.
IPL: Royals extend lead at the top after Samson and Jurel see off LSG
LSG would have liked their chances of claiming a third straight win when the Royals lost three wickets, but Sanju Samson had other ideas.
Chelsea Women 0-2 Barcelona Femeni (1-2 agg): Holders reach Champions League final again
Emma Hayes will not head to the United States as a Champions League winner after Chelsea suffered semi-final heartache against Barcelona.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Stuttgart: Last-gasp equaliser preserves champions' unbeaten run
Robert Andrich scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time as Bayer Leverkusen kept their remarkable unbeaten run going.
Madrid Open: Nadal roars to victory against De Minaur
As his return from injury continues, Rafael Nadal showed glimpses of his best in an impressive win, while Jannik Sinner also progressed.
Everton 1-0 Brentford: Toffees join Bees in ensuring Premier League status
There will be no nerve-shredding end to the Premier League season for Everton, who have joined Brentford in securing safety.
Juventus 0-0 Milan: Goalless draw ensures Rossoneri retain grip on second
Despite not managing a shot on target, Milan maintained their five-point lead over third-placed Juventus with a 0-0 draw in Turin.
‘Too many draws have cost us’ – De Zerbi
Brighton and Bournemouth meet on Sunday, with both sides still looking to make a late bid for a place in the top seven.
Babar's captain's innings leads Pakistan to victory as series drawn with New Zealand
Babar Azam's 69-run effort led Pakistan to a nine-run victory in Lahore, one that ensures they draw the T20I series with New Zealand.
Sporting CP boss Amorim apologises for holding West Ham talks
Ruben Amorim has confirmed he held negotiations with West Ham this week, apologising to fans of his current club Sporting CP.