PETALING JAYA: It was not the ending that mixed doubles pair Loo Bing Kun-Toh Ee Wei had hoped for after bowing out in the second round of the Malaysian Masters yesterday.

Despite putting up a strong fight against Taiwan’s Ye Hong-wei and Nicole Gonzales Chan, a shift in tactics by their opponents disrupted their momentum and ultimately led to a narrow 21-19, 20-22, 18-21 defeat.

Nevertheless, the tournament marked a significant turning point for Bing Kun.

Although he did not progress deep into the competition, he has caught the attention of national mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto, who described him as a star in the making.

The Malaysian Masters marked Bing Kun’s final outing with Ee Wei, but the pair showed plenty of promise during their brief partnership, having competed together in just two events, including the Taiwan Open.

Ee Wei, who has reconciled with her regular partner Chen Tang Jie following a brief separation, will play at the Singapore Open starting next Tuesday.

“I’m happy that my coach has recognised my potential. It would be great if I could carry this momentum forward with a new partner soon,” said Bing Kun.

“Playing in high-level tournaments like this is a completely new experience.

“In lower-tier events, the atmosphere is very different.

“Here, we are up against world-class opponents, those ranked in the top 30 or even top 20.

“It is definitely a big challenge, even from the first round.

“You don’t get this kind of intensity in smaller tournaments.”

It remains uncertain whether Bing Kun will be reunited with his original partner Ho Lo Ee, who is now playing in the women’s doubles with Amanda Yap.

Although he will no longer be partnering Ee Wei, Bing Kun intends to hold on to the guidance she gave him, which he hopes to apply in future partnerships.

“One of the pieces of advice from Ee Wei that stuck with me is to never give up once you step onto the court.

“Fight until the very end, no matter if your opponent is the world No. 1 or a world champion.

“Just keep fighting,” he added.

Earlier, another mixed doubles pair, Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien, also bowed out after losing to the Thai duo Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran 14-21, 9-21.