Tang Jie-Ee Wei crowned champions: Badminton

Tang Jie-Ee Wei crowned champions: Badminton

Published on: Monday, June 26, 2023

By: Bernama

Text Size:

National mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei smashed their way to a second World Tour title after they were crowned as the Taipei Open 2023 champions. — AFP pic

Kuala Lumpur: National mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei smashed their way to a second World Tour title after they were crowned as the Taipei Open 2023 champions, Sunday.The fourth seeds pair denied a chance for Taiwanese duo, Chiu Hsiang Chieh-Lin Xiao Min to clinch the Super 300 title at their home ground, 21-12, 21-8, in a one-sided affair final match that lasted 30 minutes at the Tian-mu Arena, University of Taipei. A series of unforced errors gave the advantage for Tang Jie-Ee Wei to enjoy a five-point margin lead at 11-6 and were in complete control after the first interval to take a pretty comfortable lead in the opening set, 21-12. The world Number 19 duo got off to an excellent start in the second game as they raced to a 5-0 lead and overwhelmed Hsiang Chieh-Xiao Min, ranked 50th best in the world, with their sublime attacking display to seal the title, 21-8. Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who formed a partnership late last year, showed great promise as they took nearly two months to taste their first success when they bagged the Iran International Challenge 2023 title, beating compatriots Hoo Pang Rong-Teoh Mei Xing 21-19, 21-15, early February. The Malaysians then secured their maiden World Tour title at the Orleans Masters 2023 in France as they trounced another Taiwanese pair, Ye Hong Wei-Lee Chia Hsin, 21-19, 21-17, last April. Sunday’s victory saw Tang Jie-Ee Wei end a 19-year-drought for Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair to step onto the podium after Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty last won it for the country in the 2004 edition. Tang Jie-Ee Wei pocketed US$16,590 (RM77,5620) following their great win Sunday while the runners-up, Hsiang Chieh-Xiao Min, took home US$7,980 (RM37,308). Meanwhile, national men’s doubles duo Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun defended their Taiwan Open title by defeating home pair Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han in the final. It was no easy task for the 23rd-ranked pair in the world, however, as it took over an hour and three sets to defeat the Taiwanese. The Malaysians started off cautiously and were made to slog by the home pair, losing 20-22 the team ranked 15th in the world. But the tournament’s fifth seeds switched to a more aggressive playing style in the second set to secure a much-deserved 21-17 victory. In the rubber set, Wei Chong-Kai Wun raced to an 11-6 lead and maintained their composure to win it 21-14, thus repeating the feat they achieved against 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gold medallists Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin in last year’s edition. The Malaysians collected US$16,590 (RM77,562) in prize money, while the runners-up got US$7,980 (RM37,308). * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.