One for the album: Gold medalists Chen Tang Jie, and Toh Ee Wei (centre) on the podium. - AP
KUALA LUMPUR: Former doubles ace Koo Kien Keat has praised Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei for their historic triumph at the world championships, saying they showed great maturity and peaked at the right time.
He described Ee Wei as one of the best women’s players Malaysia has ever produced in mixed doubles, noting her sharp interceptions at the front court, and commended Tang Jie for his tremendous speed and court coverage.
"I did personally congratulate them. They were so humble, and I think they deserve this,” he said.
Another former national shuttler, Wong Pei Tty, said the world number four’s victory should be seen as the beginning of an even greater journey for Malaysian badminton.
She said the gold medal in Paris carries profound significance as it shows the next generation that with belief and hard work, they too can rise to the peak of world badminton.
"Firstly, congratulations to Tang Jie and Ee Wei on becoming world champions. It is a proud achievement for Malaysia. They showed great spirit, determination and a smart tactical plan against China.
"To achieve greater success, they have to remain humble, maintain strong communication, and stay disciplined in their training and motivated in their goals,” she said.
Before Tang Jie-Ee Wei’s triumph, Pei Tty and Kien Keat were Malaysia’s most successful mixed doubles pair at the world championships, reaching the semi-finals at the 2006 edition in Madrid.
On Sunday, Tang Jie-Ee Wei gave Malaysia the perfect 68th National Day gift by overcoming second seeds Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in just 40 minutes.
The Malaysians, buoyed by shouts of "Merdeka!”, were in an inspired mood, mixing power, precision and patience to send the mighty Chinese pair packing, with Ee Wei masterful at the net and Tang Jie at his leaping best at the back court. - Bernama
