World champs Tang Jie-Ee Wei learn bitter lesson from Asian champs

KUALA LUMPUR: Wily Hong Kong mixed doubles pair Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet gave Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei a wake-up call after eliminating the world champions from the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena on Friday.

The world No. 8 Hong Kong pair were out of action for five months as Ying Suet, 34, retired after the 2024 World Tour Finals (WTF), but was coaxed into resuming her career by her coach, Malaysian Jerem Gan.

They went on to clinch the Badminton Asian Championships title in April last year.

However, the 32-year-old Chun Man and Ying Suet have made at least the quarter-finals in seven out of 11 tournaments since their comeback and proved their worth by upsetting world No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei 17-21, 21-17, 21-10 in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Open.

Tang Jie blamed their inability to dominate the attack in the decider for their 67-minute defeat at the Axiata Arena.

"We did try our best, but I think at the start of the rubber game, we couldn't control the attacking. This forced us to trail behind far from the 11-point interval in the decider," said Tang Jie.

"They are a very experienced pair and we weren't quick enough to anticipate the change of strategy."

Unforced errors and a lack of focus also prevented Tang Jie-Ee Wei

from staying in the hunt to become the first Malaysian pair since Teh Kew San-Ng Mei Ling in 1965.

Ee Wei was disappointed but paid tribute to the fans for their support.

"We are disappointed but this is sport. We win some and lose some. But we really appreciate the fans as the arena was full from the first day," said Ee Wei.

"I want to say sorry to the fans as they came to support but we couldn't win the match."

Tang Jie-Ee Wei will be hoping to bounce back at the India Open, which begins in New Delhi on Tuesday, where they will play China's world No. 14 Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi in the first round.