In the spotlight: Chen Tang Jie (right) and Toh Ee Wei in action during the mixed doubles final against compatriots Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing at the Iran International Challenge. — BAM
PETALING JAYA: National mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei refuse to get carried away after capturing their second title together at the Iran International Challenge.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who were only paired together last November, defeated compatriots Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing 21-19, 21-15 in the final in Teheran yesterday to add to their Bangladesh International Challenge win in December.
It was Tang Jie-Ee Wei’s second win over the latter in their past three meetings.
“I think the trust that we have in each other was the key to our win today (yesterday),” said Ee Wei, who is currently ranked No. 56 in the world with Tang Jie.
“It’s not easy to play against our teammates as we know each other very well, so this is a good win for me and Tang Jie.
“But this is a very small tournament and our main aim was to gain ranking points.’’
Ee Wei is determined to keep her feet on the ground and continue the hard work to achieve more success with Tang Jie.
“We will keep working hard and prepare for our next tournament – the Asian Mixed Team Championships in Dubai from Feb 14-19,” added Ee Wei.
“There are still many areas where we need to improve on.
“We need to be more aggressive and need to work on our tactical approach.
“We have to aim to beat the top players in the world after this.’’
The 22-year-old will be making her debut in the Asian meet with Tang Jie and will join independent duo and world No. 6 Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing in the squad.
Meanwhile, it was heartbreak for Mei Xing, who also finished runners-up in the women’s doubles with Go Pei Kee after going down fighting 22-20, 16-21, 17-21 to Indonesia’s Jesita Putri-Febi Setianingrum.
RESULTS
(Malaysians unless stated)
Women’s singles: Tanya Hemanth (Ind) bt Tasnim Mir (Ind) 21-7, 21-11.
Women’s doubles: Jesita Putri-Febi Setianingrum (Ina) bt Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee 20-22, 21-16, 21-17.
Mixed doubles: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei bt Hoo Pang Ron-Teoh Mei Xing 21-19, 21-15.
