National pride: Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei holding up the Jalur Gemilang as they celebrate their world title victory. - AFP
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei brought joy on Independence Day after superbly crowning their historic run in the World Championships with the title.
World No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei sensationally toppled China's world No. 2 Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin 21-15, 21-14 at the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle in Paris on Sunday (Aug 31) with their fast-attacking play and almost error-free game.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who showed great chemistry, started strongly and raced to a 11-6 lead and never looked back to wrap up the game.
The pair again made a brilliant start in the second game and led 10-5 but Zhenbang-Yaxin tried to mount a comeback and closed the gap at 12-14
Tang Jie-Ee Wei though were not to be denied and held firm to grab the win and take the gold.
The pair have become only the second Malaysians to be crowned world champions after men's doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik's breakthrough success in 2022 in Tokyo.
The win is meaningful as the duo were split for five months due to differences early this year but has made a sensational comeback - showing great oneness on court.
Malaysia have halted China's dominance in the mixed doubles after the badminton giants captured the title 10 times.
Coach Nova Widianto has guided Tang Jie-Ee Wei to the title 20 years after he won the gold with Liliyana Natsir in Anaheim in 2005.
Malaysia's previous best was winning a bronze medal through Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty at the 2006 edition in Madrid.
TANG JIE-EE WEI'S ROAD TO GLORY
Second round: bt Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Shivani Gadde (Ind) 21-16, 21-11.
Third round: bt Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu (Ina) 14-21, 21-19, 21-17.
Quarter-finals: bt Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto (Ind) 21-15, 21-13.
Semi-finals: bt Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue (Fra) 21-18, 21-16.
