Malaysia’s national coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, has delivered a strong message to mixed doubles shuttler Cheng Su Yin — shed the fear, embrace courage, and rediscover the fearless style of play that once made her one of the country’s most promising talents.
Su Yin, partnering Hoo Pang Ron, will make their World Championships debut in Paris from August 25-31, 2025. Currently ranked World No. 16 and seeded 15th in the tournament, the pair had an impressive rise in 2024, highlighted by a stunning run to the China Masters final, which cemented their status as a future hope for Malaysian badminton.
However, their form in 2025 has been a stark contrast to last season’s success. The pair has been eliminated in the early rounds of nine out of 11 tournaments, raising concerns over their consistency, mental toughness, and overall confidence.
From fearless to hesitant: Rexy pinpoints the problem
According to Rexy, the downturn in performance has less to do with technical ability and more to do with Su Yin’s mental state. He believes the pressure of public expectation has gradually eroded her bold, aggressive playing style.
“When she first came in, she had nothing to lose — she played freely and without hesitation,” Rexy explained. “Now, with people expecting results, her mindset has shifted to, ‘I can’t lose, or something bad will happen.’ That kind of thinking changes everything.”
Rexy observed that this change has affected her instinct to attack, causing her to hesitate during critical rallies — a stark departure from the player who once thrived under pressure.
The turning point: Malaysia Open collapse
A glaring example of this mental shift came during the Malaysia Open in January. Facing Taiwan’s Lu Ming Che and Hung En Tzu, Pang Ron–Su Yin had a match that perfectly illustrated their struggles.
After narrowly losing the first game 26-28, the Malaysian pair bounced back strongly to take the second 21-14 and built a solid lead in the deciding game. However, instead of closing out the victory, hesitation crept in, and they allowed the Taiwanese duo to rally back, eventually losing 22-24.
That collapse — from a winning position — was more than just a loss. For Rexy, it was a clear signal that mental fortitude had become the missing ingredient in their game.
Overthinking and the fear factor
Rexy stressed that Su Yin’s tendency to overthink during matches has become a major obstacle.
“She’s afraid of losing, and that fear makes her over-analyse every point,” Rexy said. “In badminton, you can’t afford to think too much in the middle of a rally. You need to trust your instincts.”
For him, the solution lies in restoring the freedom, confidence, and joy that once defined her approach. Rexy believes that if Su Yin can let go of the fear of losing, she and Pang Ron can become a genuine threat to the world’s best pairs — even in their first World Championships appearance.
Eyes on Paris: A chance for redemption
As the countdown to Paris begins, the Malaysian duo faces a critical moment in their partnership. The World Championships will not only test their technical skills but also their mental resilience on the sport’s biggest stage.
Rexy’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Play with heart, play with bravery, and remember the game you love. The results will follow.”
For Su Yin, this is more than just a tournament. It’s an opportunity to redefine her career narrative — from a talented player struggling under pressure to a fearless competitor capable of standing tall against the best in the world.
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