GEORGE TOWN, Jan 22 — National mixed doubles shuttler Lai Pei Jing is keeping her fingers crossed that there will not be any changes as to her doubles partner and she hopes her combination with Tan Kian Meng will stay.

The duo who started their partnership three months ago, have done well to enter the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold semi-finals.

According to Pei Jing, 23, she is comfortable playing with her 185cm tall partner.

“I certainly hope there will be no more changes. I like Kian Meng’s attitude even though he is new in the event. I enjoy partnering him.

“Chan Peng Soon is a very experienced player while Tan Aik Kuan and Kian Meng are both attacking players with good court coverage. But I prefer Kian Meng who is younger and fitter,” she said when met here today.

Kian Meng/Pei Jing, who have been moving confidently from the earlier rounds, booked their berth into the semi-finals after brushing aside Keigo Sonoda/Naoko Fukuman of Japan 21-10, 21-15.

The unexpected win pits them against compatriots Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying in the semi-finals tomorrow.

“We are happy to be able to beat all seeded pairs along the way. Against Peng Soon/Liu Ying, we will have to bring out our best,” said Pei Jing.

Peng Soon/Liu Ying defeated Indonesia’s Hafiz Faisal/Shella Devi Aulia 21-13, 21-18 for their semi-final slot.

“Tomorrow, we will be meeting our teammates. I can see they have their own strategy against their opponents. I think it will not be an easy match against them,” said Peng Soon. — Bernama