KUALA LUMPUR: No time, no problem for mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who bagged the Bangladesh International Challenge title in Dhaka today.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who paired up two weeks ago, defeated Thailand's Phatharathorn Nipornram-Alisa Sapniti 21-15, 21-13 in the final.
While choosing to remain humble, the pair are aware of the challenges that await them if they want to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Speaking to Timesport from Dhaka, Ee Wei, said: "We didn't have much time to prepare for this tournament, only two weeks. We knew this so we made sure our communication on court was on point.
"This is not big tournament, but we are very happy for the good start to our partnership. We will face many more challenges after this."
Ee Wei, who previously partnered with Hoo Pang Ron, made the switch after Tang Jie's former partner Peck Yen Wei quit the national team last month.
With limited options, BA of Malaysia (BAM) doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky took the bold step to pair up Tang Jie and Ee Wei ahead of the one-year Olympic qualifiers, which start in May.
Ee Wei noted that she will do her best not to let her coaches and partner down.
The pair, who are in a race against time to collect ranking points, will play in the Malaysia International Challenge this week, but their sights are on the Super 1000 Malaysia Open in January.
"We are definitely looking forward to the Malaysia Open — that's the big one. Hopefully, we will perform well on home soil," added Ee Wei.
Currently, the top two Malaysian mixed doubles ahead of Tang Jie-Ee Wei on the world rankings are pro pairs, Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing (No 8) and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai (No 11).
KW: badminton, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei