KUALA LUMPUR: World champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei still hailed Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping as the undisputed world No 1 mixed doubles pair after finally breaking their hoodoo against the Chinese stars to reach the China Masters final in Shenzhen on Saturday.
The world No 3 Malaysians showed real class and character as they battled from a game down to beat Yan Zhe-Dong Ping 20-22, 21-19, 21-17 in a thrilling 80-minute semi-final.
It was a breakthrough moment for Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who had lost their last four encounters to the Chinese since stunning them at the Paris Olympics last year.
“We are mentally exhausted and honestly, I’m a bit blank to describe this breakthrough. They are still the top pair in mixed doubles today,” said Tang Jie.
“Our last win against them was at the Olympics, and we lost four in a row after that. There is still a lot to learn.”
Yan Zhe-Dong Ping underlined their pedigree by clawing back from 19-14 down to snatch the opening game 22-20, but the Malaysians seized control thereafter.
Tang Jie was razor-sharp with his smashes, serves and returns, while Ee Wei matched the vastly experienced Dong Ping to mastermind the comeback.
Ee Wei admitted the way they responded under pressure mattered just as much as the result.
“This is a good breakthrough for us because coach Nova (Widianto) and Lutfi (Zaim Khalid) have always wanted to see our character on court, not just winning matches,” she said.
“No matter if we are leading or trailing, we must stay focused and fight for every point.”
The victory — only their third in nine meetings with Yan Zhe-Dong Ping — sets up a mouthwatering showdown in Sunday’s final with Thailand’s world No 4 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran, who boast a 3-1 head-to-head lead over the Malaysians.
Dechapol-Supissara also served notice of their form by ousting China‘s world No 2 Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin 21-17, 22-20 in the other semi-final.
But after finally conquering their Chinese nemeses, Tang Jie-Ee Wei have raised hopes of subduing the Thais and clinching their first Super 750 crown at the Shenzhen Arena.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
