'Unstoppable when united': Malaysians rally behind Tang Jie-Ee Wei, Pearly-Thinaah

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will contest two finals at the World Championships on Sunday — a first in the nation’s history at the tournament.

World No. 4 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei marched into the mixed doubles final in Paris with a convincing 21-18, 21-16 victory over France’s world No. 8 Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue.

In the women’s doubles, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah fought back from a game down to stun Japan’s world No. 3 Nami Matsuyama-Chiharu Shida 14-21, 21-13, 21-12 in an emotional semi-final clash.

Fans flooded social media with praise, especially for Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who have finally clicked after their earlier struggles.

“Tang Jie-Ee Wei are born to be partners. When we stand united, success becomes inevitable,” one supporter wrote on the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) Facebook page.

Another fan added: “Seeing them communicate on court and help each other is the total opposite of a few months ago when they had disputes. All is well now, aim for gold. Good luck!”

One congratulatory post read: “Congratulations TJ and EW. After what you went through this year, we know you struggled. But at this world championship, the communication between you two looked excellent.

“Ee Wei kept smiling, Tang Jie stepped up. The few errors, we can close one eye. What matters is you won. Hopefully there’s a gold medal waiting for you.”

With both Pearly-Thinaah and Tang Jie-Ee Wei now in Sunday’s finals, fans declared Team Malaysia “on fire” in Paris.

“It’s crazy, Team Malaysia is on fire today. Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll see a gold medal. Go, go guys!” said one supporter.

Malaysia now stand on the brink of a golden breakthrough, with two pairs flying the Jalur Gemilang in the finals.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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