PETALING JAYA: Reigning world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei were forced to retire from the Singapore Open after Ee Wei suffered a twisted knee during the quarter-final match.
The Malaysian duo were leading 18-16 against India’s world No. 28 Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Cristo when they decided to retire from the match.
On paper, Tang Jie-Ee Wei held the advantage, having won all three of their previous meetings against the Indian pair.
Tang Jie revealed that Ee Wei attempted to continue playing despite the injury but was immediately hampered by pain whenever she placed weight on her foot.
The discomfort eventually made it impossible for her to carry on, bringing their campaign to an early end.
“Ee Wei still wanted to try playing, but she experienced pain when her foot made contact with the ground,” said Tang Jie.
“I don’t know exactly how she felt, but I know that no one wants to be injured.
“I told her that she must take care of her body first, and she should not focus on results or whether she can continue playing.
“After the score reached 18–15, she already said she was not feeling good.
“I told her that she needs to listen to her body – if she really can’t continue, then she shouldn’t force it.”
Tang Jie acknowledged that Ee Wei was worried about not being able to continue in the tournament, but stressed that her fitness should take priority over results.
“I know her determination to play in tournaments and represent the country; if she were still able to tolerate it, she would have continued playing,” said Tang Jie.
“However, she should listen to her body because I do not want her to risk further injury.
“I also want her to get it checked because we don’t know the exact condition.
Tang Jie believed that Ee Wei was in tremendous pain, which led to their retirement from the match.
“I feel that if it wasn’t a real twist or if it wasn’t very painful, she would have continued playing,” said Tang Jie.
“So, I believe she must have been in quite a lot of pain and couldn’t continue.
“All I can do is support her without adding pressure or anxiety because nobody wants to be injured. I’ve been injured before, so I understand how it feels.”
