Looks like a short-lived breakup was exactly what Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei needed. Since reuniting, the world No. 4 duo have come back sharper and stronger—making their way to their first-ever Japan Open semi-final yesterday. In a commanding performance, Tang Jie and Ee Wei made light work of Japan’s world No. 24 pair Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara, winning 21-14, 21-12 in just 32 minutes at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky praised their transformation, saying, “There was hesitation initially when they resumed their partnership, but today they looked confident and positive. Tang Jie was calm and composed, while Ee Wei dominated the front court, which really rattled Hobara.”
Next, the Malaysian pair will face China’s world No. 2 Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin, who earlier knocked out Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai 21-13, 23-21. Tang Jie-Ee Wei currently trail 1-2 in head-to-head meetings with the Chinese pair, but Rexy hopes their momentum will carry them through.
Meanwhile, it was another frustrating quarter-final exit for Soon Huat and Shevon—their sixth in nine World Tour events this year. “We made simple mistakes at crucial moments and let our emotions get the better of us,” admitted Soon Huat. “We tried to go on the attack, but couldn’t finish our shots.”
They’ll have a chance at redemption at the China Open next week.
