KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei's gallant run at the Arctic Open Super 500 in Finland came to an end after they went down fighting to China's Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin in the semi-finals on Saturday.
The world No. 9 were beaten 17-21, 21-13, 21-14 in the 53-minute duel at Vantaa Energie Arena, failing to replicate their victory from the quarter-finals of the Orleans Masters in April.
The defeat concluded Tang Jie-Ee Wei's attempt to secure their third World Tour title this season.
However, a semi-final appearance this week is commendable and a solid foundation to build upon for the higher-tier Denmark Open and French Open, both Super 750 events, in the upcoming weeks.
To put things into perspective, at this time last year, Tang Jie-Ee Wei hadn't even been paired up.
Yet, Tang Jie-Ee Wei have already established themselves as one of the premier mixed pairs with two Super 300 titles — the Orleans Masters and Taiwan Open — to their names.
They also reached the semi-finals of the Singapore Open and China Open.
An optimistic Ee Wei stressed that she and Tang Jie are on the right path, despite not securing the title this week.
"We arrived in Europe this week without setting any target, and the same goes for the next two tournaments. Given that we're playing regularly at top-level tournaments, our game and play style are bound to be studied by our rivals," said Ee Wei.
"We just have to continuously learn from each competition and strive to enhance our skills and strategy. Our ultimate aim is to qualify for the Paris Olympics."
Meanwhile, national coaching director Rexy Mainaky disclosed that singles shuttler Leong Jun Hao experienced muscle cramps during his quarter-final match against compatriot Lee Zii Jia on Friday.
Jun Hao demonstrated resilience but ultimately had to retire during the rubber game, allowing Zii Jia to advance (21-16, 19-21, 11-7 rtd).
"His leg suffered from muscle cramps, but it's nothing too concerning. We expect Jun Hao to recover," said Rexy.
Jun Hao will have sufficient time to heal, as he won't be competing in Denmark and France.
He's anticipated to make a comeback for the KL Masters, a Super 100 event, scheduled from Oct 31-Nov 5 at Titiwangsa Stadium.