Another lesson learned: Chen Tang Jie (left) and Toh Ee Wei fought hard against China’s world No. 6 Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin but ended up losing 21-17, 13-21, 14-21.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei have vowed to stay focused on their quest to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics despite missing out on an opportunity to win their biggest title so far.
The world No. 9 fought hard against China’s world No. 6 Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin but ended up losing 21-17, 13-21, 14-21 in the semi-finals of the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland, on Saturday.
With the defeat, Tang Jie-Ee Wei ‘s hopes of capturing a maiden World Tour Super 500 title were dashed.
Previously, their best achievement was winning the Super 300 Orleans Masters and Taiwan Open in April and June respectively.
Despite the defeat in Finland, the duo, who had come a long way since being paired up only last December, believe that they are on the right track.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei had stunned Thailand’s 2021 world champions Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the last eight.
They had also pulled off an impressive win over Hong Kong’s experienced pair Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet in the second round.
“The main thing we have learnt from our coaches - Rexy Mainaky and Nova Widianto - is that we need to be confident and believe in ourselves on court,” said Ee Wei.
“We just give everything in every game and come away with no regrets.
“Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose.
“We believe that we are on the right track and we will keep fighting.
“Our main target is to qualify for the Olympics.”
Ee Wei acknowledged that expectations are now higher on them after their fast rise in a short period.
But the 23-year-old is determined not to wilt under pressure and will embrace the challenge.
“I know that Malaysian fans have high expectations on me and Tang Jie,” said Ee Wei.
“All the encouragement from the fans will push us to go further.
“This is a good challenge for me and Tang Jie and we really enjoy it.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will next turn their attention to the Denmark Open in Odense which starts on Tuesday.
