PETALING JAYA: A thoughtful gesture from mixed doubles world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei has warmed the heart of former great Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei treated Chong Wei to an early birthday meal before their departure to compete in the Denmark Open starting today in Odense, and in return, the badminton legend shared some valuable words of advice with the pair.
“It was sweet of them to give me a treat. Usually, the ‘big brother’ will spend on the juniors,” said Chong Wei, who will be celebrating his 43rd birthday on Oct 21.
Chong Wei said Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who did the country proud by emerging as the first mixed doubles champions at the World Championships in Paris in August, wanted to get some advice.
“It was a good time to catch up. I told them to stay humble and keep working hard to achieve more,” said Chong Wei.
“They have been celebrated as heroes and have attended many functions. They must stay grounded.”
Currently, Tang Jie-Ee Wei are ranked fourth in the world and will return to compete in the Denmark Open starting today in Odense after skipping the Korean Open last month due to Ee Wei’s injury.
“The season is not over them and I hope they will do well in the Denmark Open and eventually end the year strongly,” he added.
The fourth seeds will take on Yang Po-hsuan-Hu Ling-fang of Taiwan in the first round today.
