PETALING JAYA: Toh Ee Wei’s experience can be valuable if she is selected for the Uber Cup Finals for the first time.
Ee Wei, who won the mixed doubles title with Chen Tang Jie last year, could add depth in the women’s doubles department during the team event in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
And she did get a taste of what it was like when she was fielded with Go Pei Kee as the second doubles against Indonesia during the Thailand SEA Games team competition last December.
Ee Wei was unable to contribute a point and the team eventually lost 2-3 to their neighbours in the semi-finals but the experience would be valuable.
This time, she could even pair up with Teoh Mei Xing as her partner Pei Kee had left the national set up.
The current top two pairs are world No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting (25).
Former mixed doubles star Goh Liu Ying has given her backing for Ee Wei to be included in the Finals and feels that she should strictly focus on the doubles.
“I don’t think she should play in the singles, but having her in the team is definitely a big plus,” said Liu Ying.
“She’s a world champion and ranked top five in the mixed doubles, so beyond just playing, she brings experience and leadership.
“And she can always be used as a secret weapon if needed. I have experienced the same during the Uber Cup.
Liu Ying, who formed a lethal partnership with Chan Peng Soon that saw them winning the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games silver medal, had competed in the 2008, 2010 and 2016 Uber Cup editions but the last one would always be special.
“In 2016, I was teamed up with Vivian Hoo as the second doubles and we were able to upset the Denmark pair, although Malaysia eventually lost 2-3,” said Liu Ying.
“It’s always good to have a top player in the team unless she is injured.”
Liu Ying said a mixed pair can adapt but it really depended on the player.
“Of course, the game play will be slightly different. The mixed player must have proper training so that the combination will be good before the tournament. But I do not think, it will be an issue for an experience player like Ee Wei.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B with Japan, Turkiye and South Africa, and have a good chance to enter the quarter-finals as one of the best two teams.
