Hoo Pang Ron/Lai Pei Jing continued Malaysia’s charge at the LI-NING China Masters 2026 after producing a composed straight-games victory over China’s sixth seeds Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi in the Round of 16.
The Malaysian mixed doubles pair delivered when it mattered most, surviving a tense opening game before closing out the match in two games with a 24-22, 21-19 victory at the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 tournament.
The opening game was a fierce battle from start to finish, with neither pair able to establish a decisive advantage.
Hoo and Lai showed tremendous composure at the business end of the game, eventually edging their Chinese opponents 24-22 to take the early lead.
The Malaysians then carried that momentum into the second game.
Cheng and Zhang attempted to force a decider, but Hoo/Lai maintained their discipline and found the crucial points late in the game to secure another 21-19 victory.
The victory sends Hoo Pang Ron and Lai Pei Jing into the China Masters quarter-finals, keeping their hopes of reaching the latter stages firmly alive.
More importantly, the Malaysians demonstrated their ability to handle pressure against seeded opposition, particularly in two extremely close games.
The pair will now face another major test in the quarter-finals as the field becomes increasingly competitive.
Hoo/Lai were among several Malaysian combinations to make it through the Round of 16.
Soh Wooi Yik/Aaron Tai defeated Chen Boyang/Liu Yi 21-13, 21-18, while Tee Kai Wun/Yap Roy King overcame Ali Fathir Rayhan/Devin A. Wahyudi 21-16, 21-19.
Azriyn Ayub/Tan Wee Kiong also advanced after coming from behind to beat compatriots Chia Wei Jie/Teo Ee Yi 18-21, 21-16, 21-17.
However, Malaysia suffered setbacks in the women’s events, with Pearly Tan/M. Thinaah, Low Zi Yu/Aqilah Maisarah and K. Letshanaa all exiting.
Credit Photo : SBA
