National mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei have improved but they need to be more consistent.
World No. 5 Tang Jie-Ee Wei could not produce their best performance and went down 19-21, 14-21 to China's world No. 1 Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping in the Malaysian Open semi-finals at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Coach Nova Widianto said that while Tang Jie-Ee Wei were getting more consistent against the pairs ranked lower than them, they still need to improve to close the gap to the Chinese pairs.
"I'm disappointed with how they played in the semi-final but overall, their performance in the tournament was not bad," said Nova.
"Most importantly, they did not lose to a lower ranked pair. At least they are getting more consistent against these pairs.
"But we have to admit that China are currently the strongest in the mixed doubles. So, Tang Jie-Ee Wei need to become mentally stronger to challenge the Chinese pairs more consistently and become a top pair themselves."
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will next turn their attentions to the Indian Open which starts on Tuesday in New Delhi.
