Business as usual for world champs Tang Jie-Ee Wei against compatriots [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: World mixed doubles champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei moved into the Malaysia Open quarter-finals on Thursday, yet acknowledged that progressing at the expense of teammates is never straightforward.

The world No. 4 defeated compatriots world No. 21 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin 21-13, 23-21, saving four game points in the second game to seal victory in 41 minutes at Axiata Arena.

"We're all teammates and we all represent Malaysia," said Tang Jie.

"We're happy to reach the quarter-finals, but in the second game we really have to learn how not to trail by so many points."

When they were down 20-16, panic never crept in.

"At that moment, we just talked about getting one point at a time," he added.

"We didn't think about the score. For me, I always believe we can overcome situations like that."

The result extends Tang Jie-Ee Wei's remarkable run of consistency.

They have now reached 10 straight World Tour quarter-finals, a streak dating back to June, and are one win away from matching last year's semi-final appearance 12 months ago.

Their next assignment is a heavyweight clash against Asian champions Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong.

"They're a very experienced pair," said Ee Wei.

"For me and Tang Jie, the plan is simple — go out there, give our best, and fight. We want to perform for the fans, for Malaysia, and also for ourselves."

Tang Jie-Ee Wei hold a 2–1 head-to-head advantage, although the Hong Kong duo won their most recent meeting at the French Open.

For Pang Ron-Su Yin, the defeat extends a difficult spell — five consecutive tournaments without advancing past the last-16, a run that included their shock loss to then-world No. 153 Andika Ramadiansyah-Nozomi Shimizu at the Australian Open last November.

Tang Jie-Ee Wei jumped into their teammates' defence.

"They have their strengths and abilities," said Tang Jie.

"But I think the fans should give them support. Every athlete goes through ups and downs, and we see how hard they train every day."

Ee Wei echoed the message.

"Not every day can be a winning day," she said.

"Everyone trains hard, everyone wants to be champion. We train every morning and afternoon and always give our best — but sometimes the outcome is beyond our control."

She added that Malaysian badminton benefits most when several pairs rise together.

"If you look at China, they have five or six strong pairs. We really hope our teammates, and us, can all move up together."