Tang Jie-Ee Wei credit tactical switch for China Open win
KUALA LUMPUR: Chen Tang Jie believes staying calm and adapting to conditions were key as he and Toh Ee Wei pulled off a sensational comeback to reach the China Open quarter-finals on Thursday.
The world No. 4 mixed doubles pair were staring down the barrel at 20-14 in the opening game against China's Gao Jia Xuan-Wu Meng Ying, before rattling off eight straight points to snatch it 22–20.
They carried that momentum into the second game to close out the match 21-17 and book their spot in the quarter-finals.
Tang Jie admitted they got off to a shaky start due to tricky court conditions — particularly the drift — and were too cautious early on.
"We're definitely happy with the win," said Tang Jie.
"We had a slow start. Our opponents played better than us at the beginning, but we're pleased we fought back and turned it around.
"In the first game, we were on the side with the wind. Because of that, we didn't dare to lift the shuttle, and they were more aggressive at the net and mid-court.
"But after the 11-point interval, we adjusted and found our rhythm."
The pair will now face another Chinese duo — world No. 9 Guo Xin Wa-Chen Fang Hui — in what is expected to be another tight battle.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei lead their head-to-head 2-0, having edged past the same pair in three gamea at both the China Masters and Hong Kong Open last year.
They are aiming for their third straight semi-final on the World Tour, after making the last four at the Indonesia Open and Japan Open in recent weeks.
Since reuniting earlier this year following a brief split, the Malaysians have rediscovered their chemistry, with consistency and results now following.
They'll also be hoping to recreate the magic of their China Open debut in 2023, when they stormed to the final before finishing runners-up.
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