KUALA LUMPUR: It was a bittersweet farewell for shuttler Vivian Hoo as she bowed out in her final international match at the Malaysia Open on Thursday.
Partnering Lim Chiew Sien, the pair managed only 11 points against world No. 1 Liu Shengshu-Tan Ning, falling 21-6, 21-5 in their women's doubles second-round match at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
However, Vivian's illustrious career spanning almost two decades stands as a testament to her achievements, far overshadowing the final result.
The 35-year-old, widely regarded as one of Malaysia's finest women's doubles players, is a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, winning in Glasgow 2014 (with Woon Khe Wei) and Gold Coast 2018 (with Chow Mei Kuan).
She reached her career-high world ranking of No. 9 with Khe Wei in 2015.
Among her accolades, Vivian also clinched the Sea Games gold medal in 2013 (Naypyitaw, Myanmar) and the Asian Games bronze in 2014 (Incheon, South Korea).
Looking ahead, Vivian plans to focus on coaching at her academy in Balakong and supporting her younger brother, Hoo Pang Ron, who plays in mixed doubles with Cheng Su Yin.
World No. 20 Pang Ron-Su Yin exited the Malaysia Open in the first round after losing to Taiwan's world No. 51 Lu Ming Che-Hung En Tzu.
"I have set up my own academy. It's still in the early stages, but I hope to produce talented women's doubles players," Vivian said.
"Pang Ron is always willing to listen to me and still seeks my advice. He's still like a little brother to me. From now on, I'll be his biggest fan and also a fan of the others."
Reflecting on her career, Vivian is proud of her achievements.
"I always strived to perform well in home competitions. My best result at the Malaysia Open was reaching the quarter-finals.
"But I feel I've done my best and have no regrets," she said.
Vivian fondly recalled her most memorable moment at the Malaysia Open.
"My sweetest memory was upsetting Japan's Miyuki Maeda-Reika Kakiiwa with Khe Wei. I can't remember the exact year, but I was still a junior then. It was my first big win as a shuttler.
"Today, I will cherish my last outing at the Axiata Arena," she added.
Vivian left the BA of Malaysia in 2021 to become an independent player, partnering Chiew Sien on the World Tour.