Back together and stronger

The Star

a day ago

Regaining their rhythm: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei beat Denmark's Jesper Toft-Amalie Magelund 17-21, 21-16, 21-14 in a pulsating 54-minute Indonesian Open quarter-final match at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei have proven that their partnership has withstood tests and tribulations after reaching the semi-finals in the Indonesian Open.
Yesterday, the world No. 3 Tang Jie-Ee Wei battled their way to a 17-21, 21-16, 21-14 win against Denmark's Jesper Toft-Amalie Magelund in a pulsating 54-minute quarter-final match at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
The way they complemented one another just like old times to overcome the Danes was a sight to behold.
Now that they have put behind their past troubles, Tang Jie-Ee Wei are bent on staying united in their mission to get the better of sixth seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran of Thailand in a bid to enter their first Super 1000 final.
The Thais will not be pushovers as they were in immaculate form en route to knocking out professionals Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie 21-16, 21-12 in another quarter-final match.
The semis in Indonesia is Tang Jie-Ee Wei's best result since returning as a pair after a brief split in March due to a fallout and the former admitted that the separation had taught them to appreciate one another.
'My partner played well today. We have learnt from our short break to be more patient and responsible,' said Tang Jie in a post-match interview with the Badminton World Federation.
'Playing with younger partners showed us that they have the abilities but no opportunities to play in high-level tournaments. As for us, we learnt that we needed to improve our consistency and leadership.'
While excited to be back on track, Ee Wei does not want to take the partnership for granted.
'It was not an easy match but our coach (Nova Widianto) urged us to stay confident and trust each other,' said Ee Wei.
'While we are happy, we need to stay focused as this is an important week for us.'
Tang Jie and Ee Wei were temporarily paired with Chan Wen Tse and Loo Bing Kun respectively but thanks to encouragements from many, especially their coach Nova, they decided to give their partnership another shot and are looking to stay on for a long time.
Meanwhile, Soon Huat-Shevon were left disappointed after losing to the Thais for the fifth time in eight meetings.
'We've played so many times and know each other's game very well. Today, though, I didn't play well as I was not as stable and consistent as I wanted to be. The Thais capitalised on that,' admitted Shevon.
Added Soon Huat: 'The Thais are consistent and used their speed to pressure us. We will next focus on the China and Japan Opens.'