Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, delivered another stellar performance to advance to the semifinals of the Malaysia Open. Their victory adds to the excitement for Malaysian badminton fans, as they join compatriots Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie in the final four.
The world number five duo needed just 36 minutes to defeat Japan’s Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito, winning 21-11, 21-18 in their quarterfinal match at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. This marks their third consecutive win against the Japanese pair, maintaining an unbeaten record in previous encounters, including victories at the Thailand Masters semifinals last February and the BWF World Tour Finals group stage in Hangzhou last month.
Highlights of Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei vs. Hiroki Midorikawa/Natsu Saito in the 2025 Malaysia Open quarter-finals:
Their next challenge is a tough semifinal clash against China’s world number one pair, Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping. Historically, Chen and Toh have managed only two wins in six meetings against the Chinese duo.
Earlier, Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie also secured a semifinal berth by defeating China’s Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi in a thrilling match, 21-15, 22-20. The Malaysian duo will face Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran for a place in the final.
Chen Tang Jie expressed optimism despite the daunting challenge ahead.
“Even though Feng and Huang have a strong reputation and consistent form, we’re determined to give it our all and won’t give up without a fight,” said Chen.
Toh Ee Wei added, “It’s a significant achievement for Malaysia to have two mixed doubles pairs in the semifinals. We’ll do our best tomorrow, and it would be amazing if both Malaysian pairs could meet in the final.”
The last time Malaysia claimed a mixed doubles title at the Malaysia Open was in 1965, when Teh Kew San and Ng Mei Ling emerged victorious. More recently, Rio 2016 silver medalists Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying came close but settled for runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2016.
