KUALA LUMPUR: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei kept the Malaysian flag flying high on the eve of National Day by reaching the mixed doubles final of the World Championships in Paris on Saturday.
The world No. 4 silenced the home crowd by defeating France’s Thom Gicquel-Delphine Delrue 21-18, 21-16 in the semi-finals at the Adidas Arena.
The victory not only gave Tang Jie-Ee Wei their fourth win in six meetings with the French world No. 8, but also ensured Malaysia will be represented in two finals for the first time since the world meet’s inception in 1977 — with Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah already in the women’s doubles decider.
It marks a landmark moment for Malaysian badminton, as Tang Jie-Ee Wei also became the first national mixed pair to reach a world final.
Their triumph sets up a historic Merdeka Day double celebration, with both Malaysian pairs now just one win away from delivering gold on Sunday.
Standing in between Tang Jie-Ee Wei and the coveted world title are China‘s world No. 2 Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin.Zhen Bang-Ya Xin beat compatriots Guo Xin Wa-Chen Fang Hui in the other semi-finals 11-21, 23-21, 21-18
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