KUALA LUMPUR: National mixed doubles coach, Nova Widianto, has thrown down the gauntlet to Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei - go out there and win the Malaysia Masters title.
Nova wants the world No. 9 pair to capitalise on the opportunity, given their top seeding status for the tournament from May 21-26, coupled with the absence of the world's leading pairs.
The Indonesian coach said the Malaysian Masters is the best ground to test Tang Jie-Ee Wei's mental strength ahead of the Paris Olympics.
"As the top seeds, they should take this opportunity to become champions. This is a test of their mental strength before the Olympics," said Nova, who won the 2008 Olympic Games silver with Liliyana Natsir.
"But it won't be easy even though winning looks achievable. If they struggle during the game, it can make them nervous and affect how well they play.
"So, this will be the toughest test for them before the Olympics, and I hope they can do it."
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will begin their Malaysia Masters campaign against Thailand's world No. 46 Pakkapon Teeraratsakul-Phataimas Muenwong in the first round.
In last year's edition, Tang Jie- Ee Wei were knocked out in the first round by Indonesians Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Haningtyas Mentari in three sets.
The last time Malaysians won a Malaysia Masters title was in the mixed doubles through Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing in 2017.
"I want to see their character on the court. Sometimes when they are in the lead and the opponents start to catch up, they lose focus and can't play.
"I want to see whether they are still like that or if they have changed," said Nova.