KUALA LUMPUR – National mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are looking forward to next week’s Malaysia Open as they are excited to play in front of thousands of cheering fans at the inaugural Super 1000 showdown.
Ee Wei, who has only been paired with Tang Jie less than a month ago, said that local badminton fans have been their source of motivation to do well at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil from January 10 to 15.
“I am very excited, especially to see the fans cheering for us, and you can see their excitement when we play.
“It is also a motivation for me and Tang Jie, it is good for us because it makes us also more excited to do our best,” she said.
The Bangladesh International Challenge champions will be facing sixth-seeded professional players and compatriot Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing in the opening round of the home tournament.
Tang Jie echoed his partner, adding that 2023 is a vital year for them to succeed as they aim to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with the goal of a podium finish.
“Time is precious. I am 25 years old now and I realise that we need to fight for current tournaments so we could collect points to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“With Coach Nova (Widianto) in the picture, a person with experience and an Olympic medallist (2008 Beijing), we are learning a lot from him,” Tang Jie added.
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‘Tips from world champions’
Meanwhile, teammates and men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are seeking guidance from senior players, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, to face second-seeded Indonesian greats Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.
Fourth-seeded Aaron-Wooi Yik defeated the Indonesian duo in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and 2021 Sudirman Cup, which contributed a point for Malaysia to progress to the semis.
“There will be many top players at the Super 1000, we realise we may not be at their level yet.
“So, to improve our gameplay, we are seeking Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik for guidance.
“Although our game style may not be the same, but we will change our tactics as we go along,” said Kai Wun.
The upgraded Malaysia Open will be one of four Super 1000 events, including the All England Championships, Indonesia Open, and China Open. – The Vibes, January 4, 2023
