KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei gave Malaysia the perfect 68th National Day gift – producing a stunning performance of power and finesse to emerge as the mixed doubles world champions at the Adidas Arena in Paris tonight.
The Malaysian world number three were on fire as they overcame second seeds Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin 21-15, 21-14 in 40 devastating minutes to hand Malaysia its first gold medal in the event at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships.
The Malaysians, buoyed by shouts of “Merdeka!”, were in an inspired mood, mixing power, precision and patience to send the mighty Chinese pair packing, with Ee Wei masterful at the net and Tang Jie at his leaping best at the back court.
What made the victory all the more satisfying is that Tang Jie-Ee Wei never once flinched despite going into the match with a 1-3 record against the Chinese pair, including a loss at the Japan Open last month.
Tonight’s victory ends a nearly two-decade wait for the world title, with Malaysia’s previous best-ever achievement in mixed doubles being a semi-final appearance by Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty at the 2006 edition in Madrid, Spain.
