Kuala lumpur: The impressive achievements of the national men's and women's doubles pairs should spur the mixed doubles camp to clinch their first title this year, said national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto. He hopes the mixed doubles pairs can win at least one title before the 2025 World Championships, which will be held in Paris from Aug 25 to 31.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, men's and women's doubles have performed well, with the national squad yet to secure a title in mixed doubles this year. Nova expressed optimism, saying, "Hopefully, we can get the best results and emerge victorious in at least one tournament, either the Japan Open or China Open," during a recent training session.
The Japan Open is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 20 in Tokyo, while the China Open will run from July 22 to 27 in Changzhou. Former world men's doubles champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have already secured three titles this season, beginning with the Badminton Asia Championships in April, followed by victories at the Thailand Open and Singapore Open last month.
Their compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also clinched two titles this year, including the Indonesia Masters in January and the Malaysia Masters last month. The top national women's doubles pair, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, won the Thailand Open and finished as runners-up twice-at the Indonesia Masters and the Indonesia Open earlier this month.
Nova expressed satisfaction with the positive development shown by top national mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, particularly in terms of communication since being reunited in April. "There are no longer any issues, and they seem to be enjoying themselves. Communication is good now, although their gameplay still hasn't reached its full potential. Hopefully, we can make the most of the time left to improve before the Japan Open," he stated.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei, who split in March due to their strained relationship, were reunited for the 2025 Sudirman Cup in China, where the world number four pair helped the national squad reach the quarter-finals.