Malaysia’s gold-medal ambitions in the mixed doubles event came to a halt after top seeds Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei failed to book a place in the final at the SEA Games today, falling to Thailand’s Ruttanapak Oupthong–Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat in straight games.
The reigning world champions, ranked world No. 3, struggled to find their usual rhythm and looked unusually subdued as the home pair, backed by a partisan crowd, produced a composed and disciplined performance to secure a 21-15, 21-16 victory in just 31 minutes.
It was a significant breakthrough for the Thai duo, who claimed their first-ever win over the Malaysians after three previous defeats, and did so on the biggest regional stage.
Expected to spearhead Malaysia’s gold medal charge, Tang Jie–Ee Wei were unable to impose their trademark intensity and sharp net control, allowing the world No. 13 Thai pair to dictate proceedings from start to finish.
Despite brief moments of resistance, the Malaysians never fully recovered momentum, as unforced errors and a lack of penetration proved costly against a confident and tactically astute opposition.
The defeat means Tang Jie–Ee Wei settle for a bronze medal, a respectable return but one that falls short of expectations given their top-seeded status and world champion pedigree.
Credit Photo : BAM
