Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei. - Reuters
PETALING JAYA: Newly crowned mixed doubles world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei may withdraw from the Hong Kong Open starting next Tuesday.
National mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto said a final decision has yet to be made as it will depend on their condition after the gruelling campaign in Paris last week.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei gave their all throughout the week to create history as Malaysia’s first-ever mixed doubles world champions after defeating China’s world No. 2 pair Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin in the final.
Nova hinted that the duo may not feature in Hong Kong if their physical and mental condition is not at its best.
“We will have to see how they are doing. If their condition is not good, they may pull out, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
“When I asked them the other day, they said they are most likely to withdraw, but we will have to wait and see,” said Nova.
The decision on whether they will compete in the tournament will be known on Friday (Aug 5).
According to the Hong Kong Open draw released on Wednesday, Tang Jie-Ee Wei have been seeded third and are scheduled to face England’s Callum Hemming-Estelle Van Leeuwen in the first round.
Meanwhile, the pair continue to be rewarded for their historic feat last week, with snack and beverage company Mamee being the latest to present them with RM50,000.
Ee Wei was also the first recipient of the company’s Junior Monstar Scholarship last year under its Excellence in Education and Sports programme.
“I want to thank Mamee. My mother has been with the company for 33 years and they have always taken good care of our family. They are also delighted with this achievement, and I dedicate this success to them.
“We have worked very hard for a long time and now we want to enjoy this moment,” said Ee Wei.
