Tang Jie-Ee Wei grateful for defining year despite missing WTF jackpot

KUALA LUMPUR: A grand finish at the World Tour Finals (WTF) did not materialise, but Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are still grateful for turning around a turbulent year and becoming the mixed doubles world champions.

World No. 4 Tang Jie–Ee Wei were hoping to go one step higher by winning the WTF title after finishing runners-up in Hangzhou last year, but were stopped by China's world No. 2 Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin in the last four at the same venue on Saturday.

There was no repeat of the Paris fairytale, where they beat Zhen Bang-Ya Xin to earn Malaysia's first mixed doubles world crown, at the WTF, but Ee Wei was happy to stay grounded and remain healthy.

"This year wasn't easy as it tested my body, mind and my heart. There were moments of struggle, doubt and exhaustion, but every challenge taught me to overcome struggles and shaped me into a better player," reflected Ee Wei on social media.

"I'm grateful to end the year healthy, with my feet still firmly on the ground and still hungry.

"I'll continue to show up, work hard and give my best every single day."

The WTF crown went to world No. 1 Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping, who defeated Zhen Bang-Ya Xin 21-12, 21-17 to pick up the lucrative US$252,000 (RM1.03 million) today.

Tang Jie-Ee Wei would have been frustrated to miss out on the jackpot, but it has been a defining year for the Malaysians, whose poor start to the year saw them split in March before reuniting two months later.

A tight rein by national mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto helped the duo solve their ego clash and achieve their finest hour in Paris by landing the world title, and they also secured the Super 500 Australia Open to wrap up a fine season.

However, their defeats to Zhen Bang-Ya Xin and Yan Zhe-Dong Ping in a group match at the WTF are a reminder that the Chinese Great Wall is still intact, and the Malaysians will have to redouble their efforts next year.