Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, caused a major upset by defeating the World No. 2 Chinese duo, Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping, to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics as Group D champions.
Ranked No. 9 in the world, Tang Jie and Ee Wei showcased their potential by coming back from a first-set loss to win 17-21, 21-15, 21-16 in a match lasting 70 minutes at the Porte de La Chapelle Arena. Both pairs had already secured their quarterfinal spots with two earlier victories, making this match a decider for the group’s top position.
Chen Tang Jie credited their victory to strong communication and a well-executed strategy, despite facing intense pressure from the Chinese pair, who are also the 2023 French Open champions. Toh Ee Wei emphasized the importance of staying focused for the upcoming quarterfinal match, stating they would not dwell too much on this victory.
The win over Feng Yan Zhe/Huang Dong Ping kept Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei’s unbeaten record intact in the group stage, having previously defeated the Singaporean duo Terry Hee and Jessica Tan, as well as the American pair Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai.
Meanwhile, Malaysian women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei secured her first victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, defeating South African player Johanita Scholtz in Group H. Goh Jin Wei, ranked 32nd in the world, overcame a slow start to win 23-21, 21-11 against Scholtz, who is ranked 103rd globally.
Goh Jin Wei admitted to being nervous in her first Olympic match, which affected her performance in the opening set. However, she managed to compose herself and secure the win.
The victories today underscore the strength and determination of the Malaysian badminton players as they compete on the global stage at the Paris Olympics.
