PETALING JAYA: Eight testing months without a final have only strengthened Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei’s resolve, and today they have a golden shot at the world crown.
Few had expected the country’s top mixed pair to make it this far, especially after the controversies surrounding their partnership, particularly issues of chemistry and communication on court.
But Tang Jie-Ee Wei had pulled off the biggest surprise by reaching the World Championships final for the first time.
The only other pair who made it far were Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty who won a bronze medal as the losing semi-finalist at the 2006 Madrid edition.
Yesterday, Tang Jie-Ee Wei cleared the semi-final hurdle when they held their nerves against the roaring support of the French crowd at the Adidas Arena to defeat home favourites Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue 21-18, 21-16.
“The crowd were loud but we hung on to win,” said Ee Wei.
Today, their mission will be anything but easy as they face China’s formidable second seeds Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin, who have looked rock solid throughout the competition.
The Chinese pair are also carrying the nation’s hopes after the challenge of all others – top seeds and world No. 1 duo Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping, Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi and Guo Xinwa-Chen Fanghui were wiped out.
Past records are also against Tang Jie-Ee Wei, with the Malaysians having lost three of their four previous meetings against the Chinese pair.
Their only victory came three years ago in the quarter-finals of the Orleans Masters but Tang Jie-Ee Wei are on a wing and a prayer.
“The job is not done yet. For us, there’s still one last step,” said Tang Jie in a post match interview with BWF.
“We just need to stay focused, rest well, eat well and be ready. Tomorrow (today) is a new day.
“When we were in the tunnel about to step onto the court, I told Ee Wei that it felt just like the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last year.
“This is only our second time experiencing something like this, and I reminded her that we don’t always get such opportunities.
“The French fans were incredible and we really enjoyed it.”
The World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last December was their last appearance in a final, but they fell to Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong on that occasion.
