KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 — National mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto is confident that his charges can qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Having started his duties at the Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) just about a month ago, he is placing high hopes that the pairs of Chen Tang Jie – Toh Ee Wei and Hoo Pang Ron – Teoh Mei Xing will make it to Paris.
Although their performance at the Malaysia Open this time was not good enough to challenge the world’s best pairs, Nova, a silver medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, believes it is a positive start for them.
“I just started this job, I believe they have what it takes to move forward. I am confident enough in them to develop (to be among the best) because they have talent, ambition and passion.
“Tang Jie – Ee Wei, even though they are a new pairing, I am confident that if they give a good fight and concentrate, they can go to Paris. Mei Xing still needs to be honed further, because she is from women’s doubles, but has talent,” he told reporters.
At the Malaysia Open which was given Super 1000 status this time, Tang Jie – Ee Wei advanced to the quarter-finals before losing to former world champions from Thailand, Dechapol Puavaranukroh – Sapsiree Taerattanachai, 19 – 21, 9 – 21.
Pang Ron – Mei Xing. however, lost in the second round to the eighth seeds, Thom Gicquel – Delphine Delrue, from France, in 21 – 18, 13 – 21, 21 – 12.
Commenting on the quarter-final action, Nova said Tang Jie – Ee Wei fought well and were able to challenge the world number three doubles pair but their failure to adapt to the draft at the Axiata Arena well caused them to lose.
Tang Jie – Ee Wei and Pang Ron – Mei Xing are scheduled to meet each other at the India Open next week, before playing at the Iran International Challenge later this month followed by the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships in Dubai, the UAE, next month.
— Bernama
