KUALA LUMPUR – An all-Malaysian showdown is set for the mixed doubles event tomorrow at the Malaysia Masters, guaranteeing the home team a slot in the semi-finals.
The match will feature Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei against Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei advanced to the quarter-finals as predicted, defeating India’s Reddy B. Sumeeth-Reddy Sikki with a commanding 21-9, 21-15 victory.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing had a tougher journey, battling for 66 minutes to overcome Korea’s Wang Chang-Shin Seung Chan with a score of 15-21, 21-19, 21-19.
Despite their two previous losses to Tang Jie-Ee Wei, the 2017 champions Kian Meng-Pei Jing are determined to challenge the top-seeded pair.
Even though Kian Meng-Pei Jing won’t be part of the Paris Olympics, they remain committed to delivering a fierce challenge to Tang Jie-Ee Wei in the quarter-finals.
“We understand their focus is on the Olympics, but tomorrow’s match is a chance for them to test their limits under pressure.
“We hope to bring our best performance and expect the same from them, with mutual respect being key.
“Giving them an easy pass would be disrespectful to both them and ourselves.
“Though we haven’t been at our peak, playing on home ground with the support of local fans is incredibly motivating. It feels like we’re playing not just for ourselves but to entertain the audience,” said Kian Meng.
A win for Kian Meng and Pei Jing would mark their first semifinal appearance of the year.
Also progressing to the last eight are fourth-seeded Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai, who triumphed over Chinese Taipei’s Yang Po Hsuan-Hu Ling Fang with a score of 17-21, 21-19, 21-13.
Next, they face Indonesia’s Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto and Lisa Ayu Kusumawati. – May 23, 2024