PETALING JAYA: After a rocky start to the year, mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei kept their faith in each other and let their racquets do the talking at the Indonesian Masters.
The reigning world champions brilliantly came from behind to beat Denmark’s world No. 10 Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje 15-21, 21-17, 21-11 in 57 minutes at Istora Senayan in Jakarta yesterday.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei had come under fire after suffering quarter-final and first round exits in the Malaysian Open and Indian Open respectively but answered their critics in style by winning the season’s first title.
The win was also sweet for Ee Wei after irresponsible netizens insulted her family and upbringing following the early exit in India.
Tang Jie credited the stunning turnaround to the belief that he and Ee Wei had in each other in tough times.
“It was not a good start for us this year but we knew we still have many tournaments left in the year,” said Tang Jie.
“We tried to motivate each other on court and kept believing in ourselves in training and in matches.
“We tried to discuss how we could do better in upcoming tournaments. This is what our coach (Nova Widianto) had always emphasised.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei memorably became the first Malaysians in the mixed doubles to capture the title since the tournament’s inception in 2010.
Said Ee Wei: “It was extraordinary. Thank you to all the supporters at Istora and every fan watching. It really lifted our spirits on the court.”
BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz praised the duo for their mental fortitude and said that the best way to shut the critics was to win.
“Congratulations to Tang Jie-Ee Wei for winning their first title this year. The reality in sports though is no one wins all the time. There is always win and lose. This is normal for athletes competing at the highest level,” said Zafrul via social media.
Zafrul also warned netizens to stop abusing the shuttlers if they lose.
“This is why supporting the athletes is important. Don’t threaten or abuse their family. Don’t launch personal attacks.
“Our athletes are not just representing the country, they are also normal human beings working hard under extraordinary pressure. If we want Malaysia to keep producing champions, a supportive culture must be stronger than an abusive culture,” added Zafrul.
Meanwhile, it was also joy for Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani after they won the men’s doubles crown.
The world No. 9 independent combo superbly silenced the passionate home fans by coming out on top over world No. 23 homesters Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin 21-19, 21-13 in 37 minutes.
It was a welcome return to form for Sze Fei-Izzuddin, who ended their title drought after last triumphing in the Indian Open a year ago.
“This win is very meaningful for us as we have been struggling for quite long. This will boost our confidence,” said Izzuddin.
It was a perfect day for Malaysia when women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah also claimed the title without even lifting their racquets after Japan’s Arisa Igarashi-Miyu Takahasni conceded a walkover.
FINAL RESULTS
Malaysians unless stated
Men’s singles: Alwi Farhan (Ina) bt Panitchapon Teeraratsakul (Tha) 21-5, 21-6.
Men’s doubles: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani bt Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin 21-19, 21-13.
Women’s singles: Chen Yufei (Chn) bt Pitchamon Opatniputh (Tha) 21-5, 21-6.
Women’s doubles: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah w.o. Arisa Igarashi-Miyu Takahashi (Jpn).
Mixed doubles: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei bt Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje (Den) 15-21, 21-17, 21-11.
