Teoh Mei Xing grateful for home farewell despite final defeat

Teoh Mei Xing has expressed gratitude that her final badminton tournament took place in Malaysia, despite a first-round defeat at the Malaysia Super 100 in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

The national women’s doubles shuttler partnered Tan Zhi Yang in her last competitive appearance. They lost in three games to South Korea’s Jin Sung Ik and Lee Seung-hee at the Indoor Arena, EduCity Sports Complex, on Wednesday. The reported score was 12-21, 21-17, 21-15.

A farewell on home soil

In a recent Instagram post, Mei Xing said playing her final tournament in Malaysia mattered to her, even though she had hoped to finish with a title. “I am grateful that my last dance is in Malaysia, but I am a bit disappointed that I didn’t get a title before I end my badminton career,” she said.

She also put that disappointment in the context of her career. “But it’s not a big deal. I am not a player who won a lot of major championships, but I have no regrets about the effort I put into my badminton career,” she said.

The defeat ended her campaign in the opening round rather than giving her the winning farewell she had hoped for. Her message, however, focused on the chance to play her last match at home and on the effort she had put into more than a decade in the sport.

Thanks to supporters and a look back

Mei Xing, who has announced her retirement from competitive badminton, also thanked those who supported her through difficult periods. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me and always stood by my side even though I had a lot of low periods… I am so lucky to have you guys,” she said.

Her most successful partnership was with Anna Cheong. Together, they reached a career-high world ranking of No. 17 and won the Czech Open in 2021 and the Super 300 Syed Modi International in 2022.

The Malaysia Super 100 result means Mei Xing’s competitive career ended without a final-round run in Johor. Her farewell message instead highlighted two things she said she valued: the opportunity to finish in Malaysia and the support she received throughout her career.