KUALA LUMPUR: Nine consecutive final defeats since early last year have not dented Lai Pei Jing's determination to secure a title.
The mixed doubles shuttler resumes her title pursuit with Hoo Pang Ron at the Hylo Open in Saarbrucken, Germany, starting tomorrow.
Pei Jing has finished runner-up seven times with former partner Jimmy Wong and twice with Pang Ron across 2025 and 2026.
Her last title came at the 2022 Korea Open with Tan Kian Meng.
Last year's near-misses with Jimmy included the Macau Open, the Korea Masters, both Indonesia Masters tournaments, and three lower-tier events — the Vietnam International Challenge, the Phuket International Series, and the St Denis Reunion Open.
With Pang Ron, she has reached the China Masters and French Open finals this season, losing both to China's world No. 1 pair Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping.
Despite Sunday's 21-10, 21-13 defeat in France, Pei Jing remained upbeat about their progress.
"Every time we meet them, we try a new strategy, but they are really too tough for us," said Pei Jing.
"But we won't give up until we beat them one day."
Pang Ron-Pei Jing enter the Super 500 Hylo Open having reached the Denmark Open semi-finals and French Open final in consecutive weeks.
Although recent results have been encouraging, Pang Ron said clearer tactical planning and sharper communication are needed to strengthen their partnership.
"We need to discuss more about the strategies," he said.
"Sometimes we still have some misunderstandings. Hopefully, we will get better."
Pang Ron-Pei Jing open their campaign in Germany against qualifiers.
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