KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei fell just short in their bid to land their first World Tour title of the season, settling for second at the Thailand Masters today.
The world No. 9 put up a spirited challenge for 49 minutes but lost 21-12, 21-18 to Thailand's Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai at Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
The defeat extended Tang Jie-Ee Wei's unflattering head-to-head record against the former world champions to 5-1.
Following four consecutive weeks of competition since the season-opening Malaysia Open early last month, Tang Jie-Ee Wei will now enjoy a much-needed break.
They are not part of the national team's next assignment, the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Shah Alam from Feb 13-18.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will have ample time to address their shortcomings before returning for the European swing, beginning with the French Open from March 5-10.
They will also participate in the All England (March 12-17) and Swiss Open (March 19-24).