Hangzhou: Malaysia’s world No. 8 mixed doubles pair of Chen Tangji and Toh E Wei are facing an uphill task as they enter the final BWF World Tour in Hangzhou, China. The Malaysian pair will face reigning Paris 2024 Olympic champions Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong on Sunday.
Highlights of Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei vs. Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai in the semifinal of the 2024 BWF World Tour Finals:
For Chen/Toh, this would be a good opportunity for them to make history by becoming the first Malaysian to win at the end of the year event. However, tearing down the “Great Wall of China” on their home turf, with enthusiastic local fans cheering on their opponents, is no small feat for Chen/Toh.
Adding to their career head to head record, Chen and Toh have yet to win against Zheng and Huang in four previous encounters. They haven’t even managed to take a single game off the Chinese duo.
Despite the odds, Chen Tang Jie expressed confidence, emphasizing that he and Toh Ee Wei are preparing thoroughly for the match.
“They [Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong] might not be at their peak performance now, but they are highly experienced. They know how to handle critical points effectively. We need to be fully prepared,” Chen said in an interview with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Chen also acknowledged the significance of facing Zheng and Huang one last time, as Zheng has announced his retirement following this tournament.
“It’s an honor to compete against them in their final international appearance. Regardless of the outcome, we will cherish this special moment,” Chen added.
The semi-finals saw Chen/Toh claim a straight-sets win over compatriots Goh Soon Huat/Shewon Lai Jamie 21-15, 21-12 in 43 minutes, while Zheng/Huang defeated fellow teammates Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin 21-11, 21-18 in 39 minutes.
Here’s the list of final matches for the BWF World Tour Finals:
Women’s Singles (WS) Final
Han Yue (China) vs. Wang Zhi Yi (China)
Mixed Doubles (XD) Final
Zheng Si Wei / Huang Ya Qiong (China) vs. Chen Tang Jie / Toh Ee Wei (Malaysia)
Women’s Doubles (WD) Final
Baek Ha Na / Lee So Hee (South Korea) vs. Nami Matsuyama / Chiharu Shida (Japan)
Men’s Doubles (MD) Final
Kim Astrup / Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (Denmark) vs. Nur Izzuddin / Goh Sze Fei (Malaysia)
Men’s Singles (MS) Final
Anders Antonsen (Denmark) vs. Shi Yu Qi (China)
