Tough competition: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei in action against China’s Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping in the mixed doubles semi-finals at the Malaysian Open. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei admitted that they have a lot of catching up to do after bowing out in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open.
Yesterday, the world No. 5 Tang Jie-Ee Wei suffered a disappointing 19-21, 14-21 defeat to China’s world No. 1 Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping in the last four at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Ee Wei was disappointed that they could not deliver their A-game in front of home fans.
“We still have so much to learn from the top players ... we’re not good enough yet and haven’t reached their level,” said the 24-year-old Ee Wei.
“Losing today is really sad, and we’re so sorry to all the Malaysian fans.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei started strong, quickly building an 8-3 lead, but struggled to maintain their momentum as the Chinese pair clawed back to level the score at 9-9 before eventually taking the first game 21-19.The second game started as a closely contested affair, with both pairs trading points until Tang Jie-Ee Wei carved out a 9-5 advantage.
However, Yanzhe-Dongping staged a commanding comeback with an eight-point streak to turn the tide at 13-9 before maintaining their dominance to seal the match with a 21-14 victory.
Tang Jie was disheartened that they were unable to end Malaysia’s nine-year wait for a mixed doubles finalist in the Malaysian Open.
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying were the last Malaysian pair to reach final in the home tourney in 2016.
“I feel really disappointed because we started well in both games, but we failed to execute our attacking shots effectively,” said the 27-year-old Tang Jie.
“We were too rushed. I think our opponents were able to adjust their strategy to turn the game around.
“We had a good plan, but we didn’t handle the finer details well.
“We struggled to score during attacking rallies.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will now turn their focus to the Indian Open, where they will take on teammates and world No. 20 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin in the opening round on Tuesday.
“We’ve been training together for so long, so all we can do is just play, focus and give our all,” said Ee Wei.
