National coaching director Rexy Mainaky has called on mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin to rediscover her attacking instincts as she and partner Hoo Pang Ron prepare for their World Championships debut in Paris from August 25–31.
Seeded 15th and ranked world No. 16, Pang Ron–Su Yin were among Malaysia’s brightest hopes last season, highlighted by a run to the China Masters final. But 2025 has been a stark contrast, with nine early exits in 11 tournaments.
Rexy believes the downturn stems from a shift in Su Yin’s mentality.
“When she first joined, she had nothing to lose,” Rexy said. “Now with people’s expectations, maybe her mindset is, ‘I can’t lose.’ It affects her performance.”
He pointed to January’s Malaysia Open as a turning point, when the pair squandered match point in the decider against Taiwan’s Lu Ming Che–Hung En Tzu after leading late, eventually losing 22-24.
Rexy says the fear of losing has made Su Yin hesitant and overly analytical in key moments, blunting her trademark aggression.
“We can see it’s not the same Su Yin who played so bravely before. Now, everything seems stuck.”
He stressed that playing with freedom and confidence will be essential if the duo are to fulfil their potential on badminton’s biggest stage.
