PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei could turn out to be Malaysia’s secret weapon in the women’s team event at the SEA Games badminton competition from Dec 7-14 in Thailand.
Ee Wei, who has been named team captain alongside her World Championships-winning partner Chen Tang Jie, may be handed a surprise role in the team event starting on Sunday at Thammasat University, Pathum Thani.
While world No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are favourites to start as the first women’s doubles pair in the team, Ee Wei could form a scratch pairing with Teoh Mei Xing or Go Pei Kee to strengthen Malaysia’s options.
Mei Xing-Pei Kee are currently ranked No. 22 in the world.
Despite specialising in mixed doubles, Ee Wei is no stranger to playing in women’s doubles and has proven she can adapt when needed - making her an intriguing tactical option for Malaysia.
The 25-year-old won gold in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) for Melaka with Yap Ling in 2022.
In her junior days, Ee Wei also captured silver in the 2018 World Junior Championships with Pearly.
Whatever her role, Ee Wei is fired up to give her all in what will be her debut Games.
“I’m thankful to coach Rexy for selecting me as the team captain. I will try my best to lead the team,” said Ee Wei.
“Everyone surely wants to win. What we need to do is focus on what we do on court.”
Meanwhile, Tang Jie is unlikely to be fielded in the men’s doubles as Malaysia already have world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in the men’s team.
The 27-year-old though could be a useful option in case of any injuries.
“Being named captain motivates me and is a lesson for me on how to become a captain. I’m very happy,” said Tang Jie.
“As for whether I will play in men’s doubles, I will keep it a secret for now.
“What we can do is make sure we are in good form, we cannot predict the performance on match day. Our focus is on taking care of our health. In sports, anything can happen. We trust our coach, our team and each other,” added Tang Jie.
