KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — National number one mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei must take advantage of their top seeding to clinch the title in next week's 2024 Malaysia Masters at the Axiata Arena.
With that target in mind, national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto also believes the Malaysia Masters will provide the world number nine with the perfect platform to gauge their mental strength ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be held from July 26 to August 11.
"I am confident that they can do well in the Malaysia Masters, but then again, it is not easy playing on home ground, and it could well be their biggest test ahead of the Paris Olympics.
"Although they will have the backing of the home crowd, it could also work against them as they might feel nervous. Whatever happens, I hope Tang Jie-Ee Wei can overcome their nerves,” he said after a training session yesterday.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics mixed doubles silver medallist also wants to see the national pair adopt a champion's mindset and not easily give up when the going gets tough at the Super 500 Malaysia Masters, which runs from May 21 to May 26.
"At times, when they are leading, they just go blank… that is the problem they have been dealing with all this while,” Nova said.
Chen-Toh will begin their Malaysia Masters campaign next week against Thailand's Pakkapon Teeraratsakul-Phataimas Muenwong.
They finished as runners-up twice in the eight tournaments they have played in so far this year — the Thailand Masters in February and the Swiss Open in March.
— Bernama
