PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei believe their semi-final breakthrough at the World Championships in Paris is the best way to silence the criticism and doubts that have followed them.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei powered past India’s Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto in the quarter-finals yesterday with a commanding 21-15, 21-13 win, securing at least a bronze medal.
Their success also ended Malaysia’s 19-year medal drought in the mixed doubles event, last achieved by Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty, who won bronze in Madrid in 2006.
Ee Wei, who has often found herself the target of criticism, admitted it was far from easy to reach this stage after all that she and Tang Jie have endured together.
The pair briefly split in March before being reunited a few weeks later. Even then, questions were raised about their communication following several disappointing outings.
"This has not been an easy journey for us as we’ve had to deal with a lot of outside noise, but we managed to overcome it. We just want to stay grounded and humble," said Ee Wei in a post match interview with BWF.
"It gives us extra motivation, and I hope the distractions will not affect us because as athletes, our duty is to fight for our country. I want this fire in me to keep burning.
Tang Jie echoed Ee Wei’s views, stressing that he and his partner know themselves best.
Although delighted with their achievement, Tang Jie-Ee Wei know their mission is not over yet as they still have a semi-final battle ahead.
The Malaysian pair will have the chance to create history by upgrading the colour of their medal when they face either home favourites Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue or China’s Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi.
"Everyone has their own career, and it’s the same for athletes, even champions. People can say what they want, but we know what we’re doing on and off the court. So we just need to focus on ourselves.
