KUALA LUMPUR – National mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto is rallying his players, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, to become champions of Malaysia Masters, scheduled next Tuesday at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Nova’s call to action stemmed from Tang Jie and Ee Wei’s status as athletes in the country’s elite sports programme Road to Gold, which is aimed at preparing athletes to clinch the gold medals at the Paris Olympics, which is just under two months away.
Furthermore, with notable absentees, including last year’s champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai from Thailand, the tournament presents a prime opportunity for Tang Jie and Ee Wei to showcase their prowess and end Malaysia’s six-year drought in the mixed doubles category.
The last Malaysian mixed doubles pair to clinch the Malaysia Masters title was Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing back in the 2017 edition.
Unfortunately, the 2021 edition was cancelled due to the nationwide movement control order implemented to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“For this year’s Malaysia Masters, their (Tang Jie and Ee Wei) preparation is very good. They have sparred a lot with men’s doubles opponents, and I am optimistic about the results later. But I realise that it is not easy to perform at home ground.
“At the Malaysia Masters, they are seeded number one. I think they need to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I want them to see this as a test for them before the Olympics, but for me personally, they must (become champions),” said Nova.
However, the path to victory won’t be easy, as Tang Jie and Ee Wei were ousted in the first round last year by Indonesian pair Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari.
Yet, should Tang Jie and Ee Wei triumph this time, it will instil a significant confidence boost ahead of their Olympic debut in July.
Despite their ninth ranking in the world, the pair has yet to secure any titles this year – settling for runners-up positions twice at the Thailand Masters in February and the Swiss Open in March.
“If they win the Malaysia Masters, it will give them a confidence boost for the Olympics. But let’s not forget, the Olympics often see unexpected results,” he added. – May 16, 2024