PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei felt they had only themselves to blame after failing to live up to expectations of reaching the semi-finals of the Malaysian Masters.
In the quarter-finals at the Unifi Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday, the reigning world champions Tang Jie-Ee Wei looked below their usual standard as they went down 18-21, 16-21 in 44 minutes to China’s new combo Gao Jiaxuan-Wei Yaxin
The pair had gone into the tournament well rested as they were not involved in the Thomas Cup or Uber Cup Finals in Horsens and also skipped last week’s Thailand Open but it all ended in vain.
Ee Wei admitted they played below their true level, which ultimately contributed to the defeat.
“I think after more than a month’s break, this was our first tournament to find our rhythm again. But there are no excuses. A loss is still a loss. So we need to discuss again why we lost.”
Experienced Yaxin was in her element as she combined superbly with Jiaxuan, She had reached the final here with Jiang Zhenbang last year.
“It wasn’t because Yaxin’s fine form with her scratch partner. It was our own mistake. I don’t think we even reached 20 per cent of our real level,” said Ee Wei.
Tang Jie admitted it was a bitter defeat to swallow, especially as they had come into the tournament as the second seeds.
Their hopes were also boosted after top seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran were forced to retire in the first round due to injury.
It was not the first time Tang Jie-Ee Wei had missed a good opportunity in the Malaysian Masters, having also fallen in the semi-finals in the 2024 edition despite being the top seeds.
“Of course we are a little disappointed because this was a match we expected to win,” said Tang Jie.
“But we need to look at our own problems, especially our attack. I think that was our biggest issue today,” said Tang Jie.
