KUALA LUMPUR: While the Paris Olympics remain the No. 1 priority, mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are not taking next week's Asian Championships in Ningbo, China, lightly.
Tang Jie stressed the importance of taking every tournament seriously.
"While our priority is Paris, every other tournament we compete in from now until then is still important.
"As professionals, we compete to win, not to lose.
"To say the Asian meet is a warm-up is not right. If there is a chance to do well, we will grab it," said Tang Jie.
However, despite the positive outlook, Tang Jie-Ee Wei face a mammoth task as they take on world No. 1 Zheng Si Wei-Huang Ya Qiong of China in the first round of the competition.
The head-to-head record between both pairs does not favour the world No. 9, who have lost in all three meetings.
In their most recent encounter at the Kumamoto Masters Japan in November, Tang Jie-Ee Wei lost 21-14, 21-14.
In fact, Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who reached the Swiss Open final a fortnight ago, have never taken a game off the China duo in all three meetings.
Despite their unimpressive results in the past, Tang Jie-Ee Wei believe that anything is possible if they can bring out their best ability.
"I can't predict what will happen. However, I can only give my best on match day.
"The most important thing is to prepare for the match with a different mindset. As I mentioned earlier, every player wants to win, and so do we," said Tang Jie.
It is worth noting that the Asian Championships is the final tournament on the one-year Olympic qualifying roster to offer valuable ranking points.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei have already secured their Paris Olympic berths and will be the sole Malaysian pair in the mixed doubles event.
The other Malaysian pairs in the fray at the Asian Championships are Yap Roy King-Valeree Siow and newly crowned Swiss Open champions Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai.