Following a triumph in the Korea Open 2024 and three runners-up finishes, Malaysia badminton coach Nova Widianto wants his mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei to begin 2025 capitalizing on the absence of their familiar foes, the retired Chinese pair, Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong to win the Malaysian Open.
He, however, mentioned that the duo will be under pressure when they begin their quest to a podium finish against Taiwanese pair Wu Hsuan Yi-Yang Chu Yun and Ming Che Lu-Huang En Tzu in the Round of 32 clash.
“For this Malaysia Open, I urge everyone to give their best effort. We don’t have many targets, and the players will be under pressure. What’s important is to perform for Malaysia.
“With Si Wei and Ya Qiong’s absence, this is our chance to find a champion. It’s time for us to step up, as some players have retired. We must seize this opportunity,” Nova said during a press conference at the Malaysian Badminton Academy, Bukit Kiara, recently.
Showing confidence in World No. 20, Pang Ron and Su Yin, he said: “In terms of gameplay, Pang Ron and Su Yin have shown confidence, especially Su Yi. However, this Malaysia Open will be her first time competing,” he said.
Overall, he wants the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), to develop more mixed doubles pairs to strengthen the national lineup.
“I hope we can have two, three, or even four more pairs. For now, we are still trying to identify and develop talent. The challenge is the limited number of female players. Sometimes they perform well in training, but their tournament character hasn’t fully emerged,” Nova added.
The Malaysia Open 2025 will run from January 7 to 12 at the Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil.