KUALA LUMPUR – Hopes now rest on men’s doubles pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi to keep the Malaysian flag flying at the Malaysia Open as mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are out after losing 21-19, 21-9 to Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the quarter-finals today.
Speaking to the press after the match, Tang Jie admitted that he was not satisfied with the results because he was hoping to reach the final round.
He added that he made many mistakes during the match, which eventually led the duo to trail off.
“It was a really good fight, but we should have controlled the first game. Going into the second game, I made many mistakes which contributed to our loss.
“I know my opponents’ weaknesses, but I did not use that to my advantage.
“Although this is my first quarterfinal entry with Ee Wei (at Malaysia Open), I cannot say that I am proud of the performance because we aimed to be the champion.
“I also did not underestimate the opponents here because they are no pushovers,” said Tang Jie.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei were only paired up about two months ago and came under the tutelage of mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto, who joined the national setup last month.
They defeated Nova’s former charges, Indonesia’s Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto-Lisa Ayu Kusumawati in the second round yesterday.
Meanwhile, Ee Wei admitted her form has improved under Nova's guidance.
“Since coach Nova came on board, I can feel that we have improved but there is always room for more.
“So, when it comes to qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games, I think we have time to prepare better,” she said. – The Vibes, January 13, 2023