'Turning point' season fuels Ling Ching's drive for world top 32

KUALA LUMPUR: After finishing the year with her best stretch of results to date, shuttler Wong Ling Ching is looking to carry that momentum into the new season, with a push into the world's top 32 firmly on her radar in the first half of 2026.

The 22-year-old ended the year on a positive note following a strong run over the final three months — a period she described as a turning point after seeing her work in training translate into results.

"I feel happy with my performances over the past few months because what we have been working on in training has finally paid off," said Ling Ching.

Her progress in 2025 was reflected in several notable outings, including winning the Slovenia Open, finishing runner-up at the Malaysia Super 100, reaching the semi-finals of the SEA Games and making multiple quarter-final appearances on the World Tour.

Ling Ching also registered two of the biggest wins of her career, upsetting world No. 10 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia and world No. 14 Michelle Lee of Canada.

Ling Ching attributed much of her improvement to her return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) setup, where she has been working closely under the guidance of singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen and national women's singles coach Iskandar Zulkarnain.

Looking ahead, Ling Ching has set a clear benchmark with her coaching team as she plans her 2026 campaign.

"For the first six months of 2026, coach Iskandar and I are targeting a top-32 ranking so it will be easier to enter Super 750 or Super 1000 tournaments without having to go through the qualifying rounds," she said.

Currently ranked world No. 44, Ling Ching is also closing in on the national women's singles No. 1 spot, sitting just one rung behind compatriot K. Letshanaa.

Despite the upward trend, Ling Ching remains realistic about the work ahead.

"I still have weaknesses and need to work harder because next year they will start analysing my playing patterns," she said.

She added that mental strength, decision-making and physical conditioning will be key areas of focus if she is to maintain consistency at the highest level.

On expectations from fans, Ling Ching stressed that she views the attention positively.

"The support is motivation, not pressure. I'm just focused on my performance and hope to maintain my physical condition and stay injury-free in 2026," she said.