Malaysia’s mixed doubles hopes suffered a major blow after Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei crashed out in the quarter-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 in Ningbo, China.
The world No.4 pair were unexpectedly defeated by South Korea’s Kim Jae Hyeon and Jang Ha Jeong, currently ranked No.147 in the world, in a surprise result at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center.
Entering the tournament as the fourth seeds and reigning 2025 world champions, Tang Jie and Ee Wei struggled to impose their usual tempo throughout the match.
The Malaysian duo appeared out of rhythm early on, often trailing in rallies and failing to control the pace of the game against their determined Korean opponents.
They began cautiously and eventually dropped the opening game 19–21, placing themselves under immediate pressure.
Hopes of a Malaysian comeback in the second game proved short-lived as Kim Jae Hyeon and Jang Ha Jeong continued to dominate proceedings.
Despite Tang Jie–Ee Wei attempting to close the gap late in the game, the Korean pair maintained their composure to seal the victory 21–17, completing a straight-games upset.
The defeat means Malaysia will not have any representatives in the mixed doubles semi-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships this year.
Credit Photo : Badminton Asia
