Hong Kong Open: Why Malaysia's Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei Will Not Play

Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, the newly crowned mixed doubles world champions, have officially withdrawn from next week’s Hong Kong Open that is scheduled to take place from September 9-14.

The decision, confirmed by national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto, was made after assessing the pair’s physical and mental condition following their demanding title run in Paris.

“They will be exhausted if they play there,” said Nova. “They’ve had a packed schedule with appreciation events and haven’t resumed full training. Since they’ve already qualified for the World Tour Finals, we’ll focus on the China Masters instead.”

Hong Kong Open: World Champions Sit Out

Initially scheduled to be seeded third in Hong Kong and drawn to face England’s Callum Hemming–Estelle Van Leeuwen in the first round, Tang Jie-Ee Wei cited fatigue and under-preparation as the main reasons for their withdrawal. Notably, Toh Ee Wei’s condition was a particular concern, prompting the final decision.

Focus Shifts to China and Korea

The pair will now channel their efforts toward the upcoming BWF China Masters (Sept 16-21) and BWF Korea Open (Sept 23–28)-both key tournaments in the Super 750 and Super 1000 categories. Their qualification for the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou later this year has allowed the team to be more selective with tournament entries moving forward.

“Now we want to enjoy this moment,” said Ee Wei, reflecting on their triumph. “We’ve worked very hard for a long time.”

Hong Kong Open: Why Malaysia's Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei Will Not Play — Image: Shi Tang/ Getty

Celebrations Continue

Since returning from Paris, the world champions have been in high demand, attending various celebratory and appreciation events. Among them was a generous RM50,000 reward from Mamee, a gesture particularly meaningful to Ee Wei, whose mother has worked with the company for over three decades.

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