PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are still lacking consistency despite their stunning rise to become Malaysia’s current No. 1 mixed doubles pair.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei were on course to reach the Hong Kong Open quarter finals when leading 19-13 in the third game against China’s Guo Xinwa-Wei Yaxin but could not hold on to their vast lead and shockingly went down 18-21, 21-12, 19-21 at the Hong Kong Coliseum in Kowloon on Thursday.
It was a disappointing loss to the Chinese scratch pair for Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who had reached their maiden Super 1000 competition semi-finals at the China Open in Changzhou last week, which propelled them to a career high No. 9 in the world.
National mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto could not hide his frustration after the defeat.
“I don’t know what to say, honestly,” lamented Nova.
“We (coaches) had already reminded Tang Jie and Ee Wei to focus on the game and not to rush their service returns.
“But they were not brave enough.
“They were already leading by a huge margin and were close to winning.
“I told them to be careful as the draught is strong on court and they need to concentrate until the end of the game.
“I don’t know what was on their minds.”
Nova was disappointed as he felt that Tang Jie-Ee Wei blew a good opportunity to go far in the tournament in the absence of several top pairs.
The duo will have to improve on their consistency if they are to maintain their position in the world’s top 10 and qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
For now, Tang Jie-Ee Wei need to put their exit from the Hong Kong tourney behind as they are set to make their debut in the Asian Games in Hangzhou from Sept 23-Oct 8.
Meanwhile, there was some joy for independent pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie, who made it into the last eight with a convincing 21-12, 21-9 win over Taiwan’s Yang Po-hsuan-Hu Ling-fang.
It will be world No. 12 Soon Huat-Shevon’s first quarter final since the Asian Championships in April where they reached the last four.
The pair will face Indonesia’s world No. 16 Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Haningtyas next.
