PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto believes the time has come for world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei to finally end their frustrating run at the Malaysia Masters.
Despite their rise to the top of world badminton, the Malaysian pair have yet to capture the home title and will once again carry the nation’s hopes when the tournament begins at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil from May 19-24.
Nova admitted the pressure of competing on home ground has often made the tournament tougher for Tang Jie-Ee Wei, but said overcoming those expectations is necessary if they want to establish themselves among the sport’s elite pairs.
“Personally, our target is definitely to win because we have never been champions at the Malaysian Masters before,” said Nova.
“This is only a Super 500 tournament, but it is still not easy.
“Playing at home always brings extra pressure from the crowd, but this is something they must learn to handle.”
Tang Jie-Ee Wei first competed together in the Malaysian Masters in 2023, but their campaign ended in the opening round after losing to Indonesia’s Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Haningtyas Mentari.
The following year, they returned as the tournament’s top seeds and were again tipped by Nova to challenge for the title, but fell to fellow Malaysians Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie in the semi-finals.
Soon Huat-Shevon went on to win the title that year.
Last year, Tang Jie-Ee Wei did not compete together after being temporarily split following problems in their partnership.
Tang Jie partnered Chan Wen Tse while Ee Wei teamed up with Loo Bing Kun, but both pairs suffered first-round exits.
Besides Tang Jie-Ee Wei, Malaysia will also be represented this year by Soon Huat-Shevon, Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien, Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin and Hoo Pang Ron-Lai Pei Jing.
Meanwhile, Liew Xun-Ho Lo Ee will begin their campaign in the qualifying rounds.
