Malaysia’s national badminton doubles coaching director, Rexy Mainaky, has clarified that a disappointing result was not the main reason behind the decision to separate women’s doubles pair Teoh Mei Xing and Go Pei Kee.
Earlier this week, the experienced duo were split up as part of a shake‑up aimed at strengthening the development of younger players within the national squad. While some observers questioned whether recent performances were the cause, Rexy stressed that the restructuring is focused on long‑term growth rather than short‑term results.
Rexy explained that Mei Xing and Pei Kee’s experience is being used to help elevate the level of junior players by pairing them with less experienced partners. By doing so, Malaysia hopes the veterans can transfer their knowledge and improve the adaptability of younger shuttlers on the international stage.
Source: The Star
Under the new arrangement, Mei Xing has teamed up with teenage talent Tan Zhing Hui for two upcoming tournaments in Singapore, while Pei Kee will partner Cheng Su Hui. Both pairings are expected to compete at the Singapore International Challenge and the Singapore International Series later this month.
The decision follows discussions between Rexy and other coaching staff, including women’s doubles head coach Rosman Razak. The aim is to create fresh dynamics and opportunities for both established and junior players, rather than signal a permanent breakup of the original partnership.
Mei Xing and Pei Kee began their partnership in June 2024 and quickly climbed to a career‑high world ranking of 18. Their most notable achievement as a pair was winning the Malaysia Super 100 title in 2024, but Rexy sees the current period as an opportunity for further refinement and development.
According to Rexy, this phase does not have a fixed timeline. The coaching team will monitor progress throughout future tournaments to determine whether the new combinations yield long‑term benefits.
