One year after their inspiring run to the Olympic quarter-finals in Paris, Malaysian mixed doubles stars Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei are back in the French capital — but this time, they are aiming much higher. Their mission? Secure a historic World Championships medal on a journey that promises to be far more challenging than a casual stroll along the River Seine.
The pair, currently ranked World No. 4, learned their tournament fate on Wednesday following the official draw. While they’ve been handed a first-round bye thanks to their seeding, the road ahead is anything but easy.
Early Rounds: A Chance to Set the Tone
Tang Jie and Ee Wei will launch their campaign in the second round, most likely against India’s Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Gadde (World No. 33). On paper, the Malaysians are strong favorites, but first matches in major tournaments can be tricky. The challenge will be shaking off any rust quickly and establishing their rhythm early. Interestingly, this will be the first-ever meeting between the two pairs, adding a layer of unpredictability.
If they progress, a tougher test awaits in the last 16 against Indonesia’s Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Pasaribu (World No. 11). The Malaysians have already beaten the young Indonesian duo twice this year — first at the Indonesia Masters in January and again at the Japan Open in July. However, Jafar and Felisha have been on a sharp upward trajectory, winning the Taiwan Open in June and reaching the semi-finals of both the Asia Championships and China Open.
Quarter-Final Threat: Hong Kong’s Experienced Duo
Should Tang Jie and Ee Wei make it past the Indonesians, the quarter-finals could see them face Hong Kong veterans Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet. The pair, now coached by former Malaysian international Jeremy Gan, have a wealth of experience and a history of upsetting higher-ranked opponents.
The last time these two pairs met was at the 2023 Arctic Open, where Tang Jie and Ee Wei emerged victorious. But Chun Man and Ying Suet have rediscovered their best form since reuniting in April, stunning Asia’s top contenders to win the Asia Championships. They also boast two World Championships bronze medals (2018, 2021) and will be hungry to add another podium finish to their careers.
The Semifinal Mountain: China’s Top Seeds
If the Malaysians reach the last four, they are likely to encounter top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping, the dominant Chinese pair who have won eight titles in their last 11 tournaments.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei will take confidence from their memorable victory over the Chinese duo during the Paris Olympics group stage. Still, the head-to-head record tells a different story — Feng and Huang lead 6–2 overall. The Chinese will also be motivated to redeem themselves after a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Games last year.
Coach’s Perspective: A Medal Is Within Reach
National mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto sees the fourth seeding as a huge advantage.
“A seeding certainly gives a bigger chance,” Nova explained. “With this position, in the quarter-finals they won’t meet the top Chinese pairs, so the minimum target should be a medal — at least the semi-finals.”
Malaysia has a modest history in the mixed doubles category at the World Championships, with only one medal ever — a bronze by Koo Kien Keat and Wong Pei Tty in 2006.
Nova believes this could be the moment to change that history.
“If Tang Jie and Ee Wei succeed, it will be historic. We’ve even joked among friends, hoping mixed doubles luck will be on our side this time.”
Chasing History in Paris
For Tang Jie and Ee Wei, this tournament isn’t just about winning matches — it’s about making history for Malaysian badminton. The draw gives them a realistic shot at the podium, but they’ll need to overcome hungry challengers, experienced veterans, and the relentless dominance of China’s top seeds.
If they can stand on the podium in Paris, they will become only the second Malaysian mixed doubles pair to achieve the feat — cementing their place in the sport’s history books.
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