KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei responded superbly to prove that their first-round defeat at the India Open was just a glitch, as they reached the Indonesia Masters quarter-finals in Jakarta on Thursday.
The world champions suffered a rare defeat to China‘s world No. 16 Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi in New Delhi last week, but some fans’ criticism of Ee Wei’s parents hurt her the most.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei were looking to bounce back in Jakarta, and they did so in style by beating Thailand’s world No. 33 Pakkapon Teeraratsakul-Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-12, 21-18 in a 35-minute clash at the Istora Senayan.
After a slow start by their own standards at the Malaysia Open, where they reached the last eight, Ee Wei was looking to restore confidence in Jakarta.
“I feel that after the Malaysia Open, my confidence was slightly affected. I have to get back my rhythm and my confidence in Jakarta,” Ee Wei had stated prior to the Super 500 tournament.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky was pleased with the way Tang Jie-Ee Wei peformed at the Indonesia Masters, and believes it will give them the confidence boost they need.
“Their performance was very good today and what was impressive was their solid teamwork,” said Rexy.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will meet the Singapore-Indonesian combination of Terry Hee-Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja in the quarter-finals.
Terry-Gloria look dangerous, having
upstaged Denmark’s world No. 12 Jesper Toft-Amelie Magelund 21-12, 16-21, 21-14 in the second round.
“Gloria is a world-class player who has what it takes to be at the top level. Hopefully she can guide this partnership and it will work,” Terry told BWF.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
