China Masters: Pang Ron-Pei Jing Fall Short Of Maiden World Tour Title

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Professional mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing’s hopes of landing maiden World Tour title were dashed after they went down 19-21, 16-21 to world No. 1 and home favourites Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping in the final of the 2026 China Masters Badminton Championships in Shenzhen today.

During the Super 750 tournament in Shenzhen Arena, Pang Ron-Pei Jing, put up a spirited performance, especially towards the end of the opening game, saving three game points against Yan Zhe-Dong Ping before narrowly losing 19-21.

In the second game, the unseeded Malaysians traded points with the 2026 World Championships runners-up until 5-5 before gradually losing momentum and trailing 8-14.

A wayward smash from Pang Ron handed the Chinese pair the decisive point for a 21-16 victory in 50 minutes for their second China Masters title, following their maiden triumph in the 2024 edition.

Pang Ron-Pei Jing took home USD43,750 (RM176,946) as runners-up while the champions pocketed USD92,500 (RM374,116).

Today’s result marked Pang Ron-Pei Jing’s best achievement in a World Tour event since they joined forces at the 2026 Malaysia Masters in May.

Speaking after the match, Pang Ron admitted that he was still adapting to the pressure of playing on the big stage, saying the experience of getting through the match helped him settle into the environment.

“I feel not the best yet, but maybe a little bit too nervous. But playing for some points already, then we get used to the environment and everything. So it's getting better and better,” he told the Badminton World Federation via an audio clip shared with the media.

Pei Jing, who was pleased with their overall performance, said the pair would now focus on developing their partnership and gradually finding a combination that suited both players.

-- BERNAMA