15
Dec
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World No. 8 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei displayed commendable grit and determination but ultimately fell 18-21, 21-14, 17-21 to reigning Olympic champions and two-time defending titleholders Zheng Si Wei-Huang Yaqiong of China.
Heading into the final, Tang Jie and Ee Wei had yet to win a single game in their four previous encounters against the formidable Chinese duo. Despite a valiant effort, the Malaysians struggled to clinch key points in the decisive moments.
“They were more consistent in winning the crucial points. This is something we need to learn and improve on to elevate our game,” said Ee Wei.
While the loss was disappointing, their performance throughout the tournament showcased their steady rise as a world-class pair.
“Before this, we faced many struggles, but I’m happy we overcame those challenges to achieve this breakthrough,” Ee Wei added. “This result is a step forward, and it bodes well as we continue to push our game to greater heights.”
Malaysia’s wait for a World Tour Finals title in men’s doubles stretched to eight years as World No. 7 pair Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani fell to Denmark’s World No. 3 duo Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin battled valiantly but lost 17-21, 21-17, 11-21 in a hard-fought 65-minute final in Hangzhou on Sunday (Dec 15).
Despite the defeat, it was a commendable showing from the independent pair in their debut World Tour Finals, further underscoring their potential on the international stage.