PETALING JAYA: The next three weeks will be crucial for mixed doubles shuttler Chen Tang Jie as he races against time to recover and decide whether he can compete in the packed November schedule ahead.
Tang Jie and his partner Toh Ee Wei have withdrawn from this week’s Hylo Open in Germany after he suffered a right shoulder injury during their French Open quarter-final match against Hong Kong’s Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet last week.
Before heading to Europe earlier this month, Ee Wei had only recently recovered from an abdominal injury.
Fingers crossed: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei may have to withdraw from the Kumamoto Masters in Japan if Tang Jie does not recover in time.
Although Tang Jie has returned to the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) for training, he is currently limited to light workouts. This was at his own request after he complained of having trouble sleeping since returning from Cesson-Sevigne.
Mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto said Tang Jie had been referred to the National Sports Institute (NSI) medical team, and the decision to skip the Hylo Open was made to allow his shoulder to heal properly.
However, if the 27-year-old does not recover in time, Nova may have to withdraw the pair from the Kumamoto Masters in Japan starting on Nov 11, as they are also scheduled to compete in the Australian Open a week later on Nov 18.
“For Ee Wei, it’s just a minor issue. As for Tang Jie, he only went to see the doctor today, so we’re still waiting for the results. But yesterday, the physio advised him not to play at the Hylo Open as forcing it could worsen the condition or even cause a tear. That’s why we decided to pull out.
“We’ll wait for the doctor’s report first. From the physio’s view, if he rests for about a week and avoids smashes, he should be able to return soon. But we’ll have to see what the doctor says tomorrow,” said Nova when met at ABM in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
At the same time, Nova remains optimistic that the world champions will still compete at the Thailand SEA Games in December, as well as the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, which will take place just three days later.
“If they recover in time, I believe we will still field them for the SEA Games. It’s important for us to have a full team, and the association (BAM) also want that.
‘’They could also play in the World Tour Finals, but we’ll have to wait and see how serious the injury is. For now, we’re waiting for the doctor’s report,” added Nova.
