BEING on the road for so long does have its effects, but independent mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing are hoping to go one up by clearing the group stages of the BWF World Tour Finals, which start today in Bali.
But standing in their way are 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallists Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing, who are making their second appearance in the season-ending finale after the 2017 edition, are aware that a win against their compatriots could put them in the driver's seat for a semi-final berth.
Only the top two pairs will qualify for the last-four stage.
The other two pairs in Group A are world No 4 Yuta Watanabe-Arisa Higashino of Japan and Denmark's Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje.
Kian Meng said: "The opening match (against Peng Soon-Liu Ying) tomorrow will be crucial. We have been teammates for so long that we know each other's game too well.
"Being on the road for so long has taken its toll, and mentally we are also tired.
"The first match will be the real test, and who can manage these aspects will come out tops."
When the two former BA of Malaysia (BAM) pairs met at the 2019 French Open, Kian Meng-Pei Jing came out tops.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing are looking to build up momentum ahead of the World Championships in Spain later this month.
"We are not the only ones who played in so many back-to-back tournaments since last month.
"I think Covid-19 has pushed us all to the limit, so we need to be mindful when we play.
"We hope this World Tour Finals will be a good stepping stone for us to prepare for the world meet," added Kian Meng.
The other Malaysian players who will take to court today are Lee Zii Jia (men's singles), Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi (men's doubles) and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women's doubles).