Still missing the spark

The Star

2 days ago

Bonding time: Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei need a little more effort to improve their partnership. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei still appear to be missing that extra spark and national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky believes it is time they learn from their teammates.
Rexy has urged Tang Jie and Ee Wei to take a cue from top women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, especially in how they support each other and stay united through on-court challenges.
'The key is learning to accept each other's mistakes and backing one another through the tough moments,' said Rexy.
'That's what Pearly and Thinaah have done so well and that's what Tang Jie and Ee Wei need to improve their partnership.'
World No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei failed to capitalise on their top seed status in the Macau Open when they suffered a surprise defeat to eventual champions Mathias Christiansen-Alexandra Boje of Denmark in the semi-finals of the World Tour Super 300 tournament on Saturday.
Rexy was disappointed with Tang Jie-Ee Wei's performance, saying that the pair tend to struggle when the going gets tough.
'Tang Jie-Ee Wei are facing a similar issue that Pearly-Thinaah had previously. They find it difficult to accept when either of them makes mistakes on court,' said Rexy after overseeing a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara on Tuesday (Aug 5).
'We are human being, not robots and we cannot be perfect all the time. Sometimes, we make mistakes and Tang Jie and Ee Wei need to learn to help each other on court.
'When things are going smoothly and they are able to get points easily, they can play their game well.
'But when things get tough and their opponents fight hard, they tend to panic and crumble.
'Last time, Pearly-Thinaah faced the same issue where one of them will not be able to accept when the partner makes errors but they never went as far as to split up like Tang Jie-Ee Wei.
'Now, they are supporting each other more and this has helped them become more consistent. So, Tang Jie-Ee Wei need to learn from Pearly-Thinaah,' added Rexy.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei had a strained relationship and split up at the end of March but seemed to have resolved their differences when they reunited less than a month later.
The pair's issues though do not seem to be over.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei have been stopped in the semi-final five times this year including in Macau and have not reached a final since their runners-up finish in the World Tour Finals last December.
With the World Championships coming up from Aug 25-31 in Paris, Rexy wants mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto to find solutions quickly to improve the duo.
'Tang Jie-Ee Wei's problem are nothing to do with skills or technique.
'We can work on their skills for years but there's no point if they don't improve mentally and emotionally,' said Rexy.
'I have written a report on my observation of their performance in Macau and sent to Nova.
'He needs to find out what exactly is the source of their problems and help them.'