Pressure rising: Chen Tang Jie (left) returns a shot as Toh Ee Wei looks on during their third-round match against Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu in the World Championships. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Don’t blow it!
Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are within reach of ending Malaysia’s 19-year wait for a medal at the World Championships in Paris, but they cannot afford another shaky display like in the third round.
World No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei will face India’s world No. 17 Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto in the quarter-finals today, with a place in the semi-finals assuring them of at least a bronze medal.
However, the match will be far from straightforward as the Indian duo earned their spot in the last eight by stunning world No. 5 Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong 19-21, 21-12, 21-15 yesterday.
It is a timely reminder for Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who almost fell victim to Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu before rallying to win 14-21, 21-19, 21-17 in 68 minutes.
“We’re very happy because we knew how tough this match would be. Our opponents put us under a lot of pressure with their pace and rhythm,” said Tang Jie in a post match interview with BWF.
“We’re delighted to have pulled through, but this is only the quarter-finals, so we need to stay focused and prepare for tomorrow (today).
“We can’t be satisfied just by reaching the quarter-finals. We will treat tomorrow’s match as a fresh start and go in as if it’s a brand-new game.
Ee Wei also admitted that it was not easy to overcome the Indonesian pair, especially with certain situations in the match where they were left dissatisfied with the umpiring decisions.
“They (Jafar-Felisha) played really well. I think they have improved a lot this year and have beaten many top pairs,” said Ee Wei.
“The umpire also put me under pressure, but Tang Jie said it was ‘God’s challenge’ to us. So we accepted it and just showed our character. We just have to give our very best to win this match and show our character,” she added.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei have faced Dhruv-Tanisha before, in the first round of the Indonesian Open in April, where they were pushed to three games before prevailing 21-11, 16-21, 21-14.
A victory this time would not only secure a place in the semi-finals but also make amends for their disappointment in Copenhagen two years ago, when they fell at the quarter-final stage.
The last time Malaysia won a medal in the mixed doubles at the World Championships was through Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty (bronze) in Madrid in 2006.
