KUALA LUMPUR — The phrase ‘never say die’ perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Malaysia’s mixed doubles stars Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.
Competing in just their second tournament after a two-month injury layoff, the world number ten pair pulled off not one, but two extraordinary comebacks to secure a semi-final victory at the Super 750 China Masters in Shenzhen.
They overcame local favourites Xin Wa Guo and Fang Hui Chen in a nail-biting clash.
After losing the first game 14-21, Tang Jie and Ee Wei found themselves trailing 1-12 early in the second game. Matters worsened as they slipped to 11-20, teetering on the brink of a straight-games defeat.
In an incredible turn of events, the Malaysians saved 10 match points and clinched the second game 23-21.
The Korea Open champions, who recently returned to action at the Kumamoto Masters following a freak gym accident that sidelined Ee Wei in September, eventually claimed victory with a 14-21, 23-21, 21-16 scoreline after 65 minutes.
Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Ee Wei described the win as a special moment.
“It’s never easy to fight back from 12-20 down. Honestly, I didn’t think we could do it,” she admitted.
“But this is what we need to learn from other top players. We fought hard and I hope to carry this momentum forward.”
Tang Jie added that while their strategy was sound, their opponents had the upper hand in consistency and confidence.
“We were communicating and trying to find solutions when we were trailing 1-11 in the second game. While we stuck to our strategy, our opponents were better and more composed,” he said.
“Still, Ee Wei and I didn’t give up. We focused on making it as difficult as possible for them to win points.”
Tang Jie and Ee Wei, who have already secured a spot in next month’s US$2.5 million World Tour Finals, will face China’s top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping in the semi-finals tomorrow.
Reflecting on their journey, Ee Wei said: “After our first-round exit last week, Tang Jie and I had many discussions. We’re happy to make a breakthrough in this tournament.
“It’s not over yet, but I’m very happy with how we’ve performed so far.”
Meanwhile, another Malaysian mixed doubles pair, Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin, continued their fine form in Shenzhen with a 21-10, 21-16 quarter-final victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chen Cheng Kuan and Hsu Yin Hui.
In their first-ever Super 750 semi-finals, the rapidly improving Pang Ron and Su Yin will face Hong Kong’s experienced duo Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet. — November 22, 2024