KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron–Lai Pei Jing know they need more than good shots to beat the world's best after their Denmark Open run was halted in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Consistency and patience remain the missing ingredients after the world No. 51 lost 21-13, 21-13 to China's world No. 1 Feng Yan Zhe–Huang Dong Ping at the SJF Bank Arena on Saturday.
The defeat ended their hopes of avenging last month's China Masters final loss to the same pair.
Pang Ron said producing quality shots was only part of the challenge against opponents who could respond with something better.
"Even when we played some good shots, they returned them better. After that, we needed to be more consistent and more patient," said Pang Ron.
The Malaysians had prepared for Denmark's different conditions, but Pang Ron admitted the Chinese pair adjusted their approach faster.
"It was different from the China Masters because the shuttles and the drift were different," he said.
"We prepared, but they were even more prepared and changed their game very quickly.
"We are still learning how to overcome each problem and respond faster."
Despite missing out on the final, Pei Jing said their performances throughout the tournament gave them reason to be encouraged.
"Overall, we are quite satisfied with our performance here because we improved from the first match until the semi-finals," she said.
"Although we are not going to the final, we are still very proud of this result."
Asked which aspect of their game had improved most, Pei Jing pointed to their mentality.
"We are getting there, slowly but surely," she added.
Pang Ron–Pei Jing will next compete in France before heading to Germany for the Hylo Open as they navigate a demanding tournament schedule.
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