KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei have decided to keep a low profile ahead of their Paris Olympics quarter-final against South Korea’s Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun on Wednesday.
Speaking to the Olympic Council of Malaysia today, the world number nines said it was crucial for them to stay focused and monitor their physical condition before getting on court at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.
“We have one day to rest today, but we also had one session of training.
“At this point, it is crucial for us to look after our bodies. We will then discuss with our coaches and with each other to plan our strategy and game plan,” said Tang Jie, who also mentioned the solid support he and Ee Wei had been receiving in Paris from the national contingent secretariat office.
Separately, Ee Wei admitted that it was important to stick to their routine to maintain the momentum and rhythm that saw the Malaysian duo emerge as Group D winners, with three wins in three matches.
Playing in their debut Games, Tang Jie and Ee Wei surprised badminton fans around the world when they upset world number twos Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping of China in the final group tie on Monday.
As a result of winning the group, Tang Jie and Ee Wei managed to avoid facing other group winners, improving their chances of going deep in the event.
On paper, the Malaysians will start as favourites in the last eight, with a slim 2-1 head-to-head record over Won-ho and Na-eun.
Ee Wei, however, chose to play it down and not get carried away.
“We don’t want to think too much. It’s best for us to focus on ourselves, get enough rest, and look into our recovery before the match.
“What’s important is for us to maintain this routine, maintain what has been working for us so far,” she said. – July 30, 2024
Paris 2024 mixed doubles quarter-finals:
Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (China) v Feng Yanzhe and Huang Dongping (China)
Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino (Japan) v Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Thailand)
Seo Seung-jae and Chae Yu-jung (South Korea) v Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet (Hong Kong)
Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei (Malaysia) v Kim Won-ho and Jeong Na-eun (South Korea)