Tang Jie-Ee Wei left soul-searching after shock India Open collapse

KUALA LUMPUR: World champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei admitted they are struggling for confidence after a shock first-round exit at the India Open today.

The world No. 3 lost 21-16, 21-19 to China's world No. 16 Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi in New Delhi.

The defeat comes just a week after Tang Jie-Ee Wei lost in the Malaysia Open quarter-finals, raising questions about their form early in the season.

Tang Jie said they are still searching for clarity on court.

"We gave our best in today's match. Now, we just want to get back our confidence and game plan on the court more determinedly," he told the Badminton World Federation.

Ee Wei said there were no external issues or unfamiliar conditions to blame for the loss. Following the shock defeat, Tang Jie said the priority is now restoring their level of play.

"The China pair did well today to win the match," he said.

"We will figure out how to regain our rhythm."

Tang Jie said the issues mirrored those they faced in Kuala Lumpur last week.

"It's the same thing. We will try to figure out how to gain back our game plan and our rhythm on the court. This is what we want to find right now," he said.

Despite major events such as the World Championships and Asian Games scheduled later this year, Ee Wei said they are keeping their focus narrow.

"All of those are big tournaments, so we need to focus on them," she said.