Whole new challenge awaits Tang Jie-Ee Wei after overtaking seniors

PETALING JAYA: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are facing a different challenge after overtaking their seniors in the world rankings.

The national mixed doubles pair had a tough task to close the gap on independent pairs Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing when they were first combined last December.

But Tang Jie-Ee Wei have exceeded expectations to become the highest ranked pair in the country at No. 11 in the world in just eight months.

In the same period of time, both Soon Huat-Shevon and Kian Meng-Pei Jing have struggled to maintain their rankings in the top 10 and have dropped to No. 12 and No. 23 respectively.

Having moved ahead of their seniors, Tang Jie-Ee Wei are now in a different situation as they look to improve their position further.

The duo are now Malaysia’s best bet to make the cut for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Tang Jie-Ee Wei need to break into the world’s top eight by the end of the Olympics qualifying period at the end of April next year to be assured of a spot.

Mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto has stressed that the duo need to play with confidence and aggression against the top pairs in the world to keep progressing well.

“They need to have confidence in themselves and not follow their opponents’ rhythm during matches,” said Nova.

“They also cannot afford to become nervous and overthink.”

Tang Jie-Ee Wei are currently preparing for the China Open from Sept 5-10 in Changzhou.

The duo will play India’s Rohan Kapoor-Sikki Reddy in the first round.

A win will see Tang Jie-Ee Wei take on either South Korea’s world No. 6 Kim Won-ho-Jeong Na-eun or Japan’s world No. 20 Yuki Kaneko-Misaki Matsutomo in the second round.

Meanwhile, Soon Huat-Shevon and Kian Meng-Pei Jing will battle each other for a place in the second round.