Fast-Rising Koreans Make Big Impression
Jeong Na Eun and Kim Hye Jeong have come a long way in quick time; their entry into the quarterfinals at their maiden All England indicate that they are among the pairs to watch this season.
· DEV SUKUMAR
The world No.64 Koreans, who had beaten top seeds Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan in the opening round, held off a stiff challenge from Thailand’s Supissara Paewsampran/Puttita Supajirakul to make the last eight, where they face Malaysia’s Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan.
Jeong and Kim came together in October 2019 after stints with other partners. Having missed the whole of 2020, they shot into the final of the first tournament they played in two years – the DAIHATSU Indonesia Masters – where they beat several top pairs, including the Stoeva sisters, Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinida Prajongjai, and senior compatriots Kim Soyeong/Kong Heeyong.
At last week’s German Open, they overcame in-form Japanese duo Chiharu Shida/Nami Matsuyama on their way to the quarterfinals. Having beaten five of the world’s top 10 pairs, the Koreans are building up a reputation as dangerous opponents.