The Malaysia Open witnessed a stunning upset on Friday as Hong Kong’s Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet handed the reigning world champions Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei a bitter defeat at the Axiata Arena, ending their campaign in the quarter-finals.
The world No. 8 Hong Kong mixed doubles pair have been on a remarkable journey, having been inactive for five months after Tse Ying Suet, 34, initially retired following the 2024 World Tour Finals. Under the encouragement of coach Jerem Gan from Malaysia, she made a comeback, reigniting her career and quickly returning to top-level competition.
Their comeback trajectory was meteoric, as Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet went on to win the Badminton Asian Championships in April last year, establishing themselves once again as a force in mixed doubles.
A Quarter-Final Masterclass
At the Malaysia Open, the Hong Kong duo demonstrated their tactical brilliance, upsetting the world No. 4 Tang Jie–Ee Wei with a 17-21, 21-17, 21-10 victory in a 67-minute marathon match. Their performance highlighted not only their skill but also the resilience and composure gained from years of top-level competition.
For Tang Jie, the key factor in their defeat lay in the inability to control the attack during the decider.
“We did try our best, but I think at the start of the rubber game, we couldn’t dominate the attacking. This forced us to trail far behind, even after the 11-point interval in the decider,” said Tang Jie.
He acknowledged the experience and adaptability of the Hong Kong pair as decisive elements in the match.
“They are a very experienced pair, and we weren’t quick enough to anticipate their change of strategy,” he added.
Experience Prevails
Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet’s combination of strategic awareness and calm under pressure proved too much for the Malaysian pair. The Hong Kong duo consistently forced their opponents into defensive positions, varying pace and placement to create openings and capitalize on unforced errors.
Since their return to competition, Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet have reached at least the quarter-finals in seven out of eleven tournaments, demonstrating that their skill and cohesion have remained intact despite the hiatus. Their ability to read the game and exploit weaknesses highlights why they are now considered one of the most dangerous pairs in mixed doubles.
Disappointment for Home Favorites
For Tang Jie–Ee Wei, the loss is particularly bitter as they were aiming to become the first Malaysian pair to reach a major final since Teh Kew San and Ng Mei Ling in 1965.
Ee Wei expressed his disappointment but remained gracious in defeat, paying tribute to the passionate Malaysian fans.
“We are disappointed, but this is sport. We win some and lose some. The support from the fans has been incredible as the arena has been packed since day one,” Ee Wei said.
He added, “I want to apologize to the fans because they came to support us, but we couldn’t win the match.”
Tactical Lessons and Moving Forward
The match served as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and experience in mixed doubles. Tang Jie–Ee Wei’s inability to adjust quickly to the changing tactics of Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet, coupled with unforced errors and lapses in focus, ultimately cost them the match.
Analysts noted that the Hong Kong pair’s resilience, anticipation, and ability to remain composed under pressure were decisive factors. By controlling the tempo and forcing Tang Jie–Ee Wei into defensive positions, they were able to dominate the critical stages of the decider.
Looking Ahead: India Open
Despite the setback, Tang Jie–Ee Wei have the opportunity to bounce back at the India Open, scheduled to begin in New Delhi on Tuesday. They will face China’s world No. 14 Cheng Xing and Zhang Chi in the first round, and the Malaysian pair will be looking to restore confidence and form.
For Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet, the quarter-final victory adds to an already impressive run since their return, reinforcing their status as one of the top mixed doubles pairs in the world. Their performance at the Malaysia Open underscores the competitive depth of the field and serves as a warning to other top-ranked pairs that experience and strategic adaptability remain critical at the highest level.
Conclusion: Experience Triumphs in Kuala Lumpur
The Malaysia Open quarter-finals delivered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, as the comeback heroes from Hong Kong outclassed the world champions. Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet’s blend of tactical acumen, experience, and composure highlights why they are a formidable pairing capable of challenging any top-ranked team.
For Tang Jie–Ee Wei, the defeat offers a valuable lesson on the importance of adaptability, focus, and maintaining offensive control, lessons they will need to implement as they aim to rebound at the India Open. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong duo continue their march toward potential glory, showcasing that even after a hiatus, experience and strategic intelligence can prevail over youthful ambition.
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