KUALA LUMPUR: Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin celebrated their first anniversary as partners by storming into the Super 750 China Masters mixed doubles final in Shenzhen today.
World No. 23 Pang Ron-Su Yin showed maturity and confidence as they toppled world No. 7 Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong 21-14, 17-21, 21-19 in the 65-minute semi-final.
It was their second major upset in the tournament after their stunning second-round victory on Thursday over world No. 3 Jiang Zhen Bang-We Ya Xin of China.
This is their best performance in a Super 750-level tournament, and a win tomorrow against world No. 2 Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping of China in the final would cap a dream run.
This year, their top results included quarter-final finishes at the Super 1000 China Open, as well as the Hong Kong Open, Arctic Open, and Kumamoto Masters — all Super 500 events.
Today's win over Chun Man-Ying Suet, former world No. 2 and two-time World Championship bronze medallists, has boosted the pair's morale.
Pang Ron, 26, was delighted to reach his biggest final, especially after having several partners in his career.
His former partners include Cheah Yee See, Ee Wei, and Teoh Mei Xing.
Pan Ron's only World Tour title under his belt is the Super 100 Hyderabad Open in 2019 with Yee See.
"It feels unbelievable to be back in a final after so long and changing many partners," said Pang Ron.
"We went in as underdogs against Chun Man-Ying Suet, who are a top-eight pair. With no pressure, we fought hard and showed the crowd what we could do."
Looking ahead to the final, Pang Ron added: "We will strive to give a good fight against Yan Zhe-Dong Ping.
"They're a strong pair, so we'll need to analyse their game and hope to play well tomorrow."
Su Yin, 21, credited Pang Ron for his experience and composure.
"I am very happy to reach a big final, thanks to Pang Ron for guiding and supporting me to become a better player," she said.
The duo lost to Yan Zhe-Dong Ping in their only meeting this year during the Hong Kong Open quarter-finals in September.