Kuala Lumpur: In a stunning turn of events, Malaysia’s top mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei have officially reunited, following a wave of public concern and direct intervention by Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed the reunion on Tuesday, just one day after Minister Hannah urged the national body to reconsider the split of the world No. 4 duo, especially since both players are part of Malaysia’s elite Road to Gold (RTG) program aimed at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
BAM Statement: “They’re Back Together”
In an official statement, BAM acknowledged that the decision was made based on mutual requests from both players and after in-depth discussions with the coaching team.
“BAM announces that Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei will resume their partnership in the mixed doubles event,” the statement read.
“The pair, who once reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3, will now refocus their efforts on the international stage, starting with the Singapore Open (May 27–June 1) as they aim to rediscover their top form.”
Minister Hannah Yeoh’s Comments Spark Reversal
During the announcement of athletes selected for the RTG program, Hannah expressed strong reservations about BAM’s earlier decision to split the pair, emphasizing that their inclusion in RTG was conditional on them continuing as a team.
She cited their top-four world ranking as the primary reason for their selection and warned that a breakup would jeopardize their RTG status.
Her statement created immediate buzz across Malaysia’s sports circles, prompting BAM to review the situation more seriously.
Short-Lived Separation Rooted in Team Tensions
BAM’s earlier move to separate Chen and Toh came after reports of deteriorating chemistry and inconsistent performances in recent months. While the decision was initially supported by the coaching staff, it also drew criticism from fans and analysts who believed the pair still had significant potential.
Following the split, both athletes were assigned temporary partners for the Taipei and Thailand Opens, but the experiment now appears short-lived.
What’s Next for the Reunited Pair?
Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei will return to competition at the Singapore Open (May 27–June 1), where all eyes will be on whether the duo can rekindle the synergy that once elevated them to world No. 3 and delivered three BWF World Tour titles.
Their reunion marks a significant moment not just for Malaysian badminton, but also for fans hoping to see them thrive on the road to Paris 2024 and LA 2028.
