Malaysia’s top-ranked mixed doubles duo, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, showcased their resilience and dominance in the opening match of Group B at the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou.
The world number eight pair staged an impressive comeback to defeat compatriots Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie in a thrilling three-set encounter.
After losing the first set 14-21, Tang Jie and Ee Wei found their rhythm, cruising to a 21-10 victory in the second set before sealing the match with a commanding 21-14 performance in the decider. The 50-minute battle took place at the Hangzhou Olympic Gymnasium, with the duo’s tactical adjustments and focus proving pivotal.
Reflecting on the match, Ee Wei expressed satisfaction with the win:
“In the first set, we played with the wrong tactics, but in the second and third sets, we gained better momentum on the court and stayed focused. This is a positive win for me and Tang Jie as we head into the next match,” she told the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The victory places Tang Jie and Ee Wei on strong footing as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals. Their next challenge will be against Indonesia’s Dejan Ferdinansyah and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja, a formidable pair with a reputation for aggressive play.
Meanwhile, Soon Huat and Shevon, who now face an uphill battle to advance, will meet Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito in their second group match tomorrow.
This clash underscores the depth of Malaysia’s talent in mixed doubles, with two of its top pairs qualifying for the prestigious year-end tournament. Tang Jie and Ee Wei, who have consistently climbed the world rankings, continue to carry Malaysia’s hopes for a title in Hangzhou.
Credit Photo : Shi Tang/Getty Images
