They can still mix and match
PETALING JAYA: For national athletes, personal setbacks often take a back seat when the country calls and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei proved just that in their return to action at the Sudirman Cup.
The mixed doubles duo, who had been briefly separated due to internal issues, put their differences aside and delivered a solid performance to give Malaysia a winning start in their second Group C match against Australia yesterday.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei showed they still had the chemistry and class to compete at the highest level, brushing aside world No. 740 pair Ricky Tang-Gronya Somerville 21-8, 21-12 in just 26 minutes.
Their win laid the foundation for Malaysia’s eventual 4-1 triumph over Australia, a result that secured the national team’s place in the quarter-finals.
The victory was more than just a point on the scoreboard. It was a statement that the duo remain one of Malaysia’s most promising mixed doubles combinations, despite the rocky path that led them here.
Only weeks ago, the partnership appeared to be on the brink of collapse. Tensions between the two had escalated to the point where they were training separately and paired with different players. But after being given a clear directive to patch things up for the greater good, they chose to regroup and refocus.
Their reunion isn’t just about Sudirman Cup glory. It’s part of a longer journey – one that Malaysia hope will lead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“It’s good to be back on the world tour, especially with this being our first tournament representing Malaysia again,” said Tang Jie after the match.
“It means a lot to us, and we want to give our best in every match.”
Ee Wei echoed the sentiment, saying the win reminded her of their spirited outing at the previous Sudirman Cup in Suzhou.
“It feels just like it did two years ago. We went out, gave 100%, and fought for every point,” she said.
With renewed spirit and determination, Tang Jie-Ee Wei are ready to take on Japan today if selected by the coaching team.
It will be a crucial clash as the winners will top Group C and enjoy a more favourable draw in the quarter-finals.
“We’re not concerned about who gets picked. We came to Xiamen as one team, and whoever steps on court will give it their all. What matters most is securing the win for Malaysia,” Ee Wei added.
RESULTS
Group A: China bt Hong Kong 5-0; Thailand bt Algeria 5-0.
Group B: Taiwan bt Czech Republic 5-0.
Group C: Japan bt France 5-0; Malaysia bt Australia 4-1 (Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei bt Ricky Tang-Gronya Somerville 21-8, 21-12; Justin Hoh bt Shrey Dhand 21-9, 21-15; K. Letshanaa bt Teo Kai Qi 21-6, 21-8; Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik bt Jack Yu-Frederick Zhao 21-8, 21-9; Go Pei Kee-Carmen Ting lost to Gronya Somerville-Angela Yu 15-21, 18-21).
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