Li Ying sees rise of Tang Jie-Ee Wei as good push for other mixed pairs

PETALING JAYA: The Independent mixed doubles players are under pressure following the rise of fresh pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.

But former international Goh Liu Ying sees the healthy rivalry as the perfect recipe for Malaysia to push for two pairs to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games next year, when the qualifying period ends in April.

Tang Jie-Ee Wei are ranked 10th in the world followed by Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (11) and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing (23). A country can have two pairs if both are placed in the top eight by end of the qualification period.

“The fight in the mixed doubles is getting more exciting, I’ve never seen such a keen tussle for the Olympics like this before,” said Liu Ying, who won the country’s first mixed doubles medal at the Olympic Games by winning a silver with Chan Peng Soon at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro edition.

“Tang Jie-Ee Wei may the frontrunners now but there is no guarantee they will remain at the top. Anything can happen in the next few months.

“The independent shuttlers have the quality and they too have been working very hard. They can catch up if they really work at it. I believe two pairs can make it to the Olympics.

Liu Ying, who retired from the sport late last year, is now a mother after giving birth to a healthy 3.3kg baby boy on Merdeka Day.

“Our baby Kai arrived in the evening of the national day. It’s so special as the mother played for the country for the most part of her life and now, her baby was born on the Merdeka Day. I still can’t believe that I’m a mother now,” said the 33-year-old.

“From badminton court to the baby cot! It’s all a new experience and I’m enjoying every bit of it.”

Liu Ying will spend time with her baby for now before slowly returning to promotional work of the game and may even consider coaching.