KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing have vowed to give Paris Olympic-bound Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei a run for their money in today's Malaysia Masters quarter-final clash at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
The world No. 24 Kian Meng-Pei Jing turned in a spirited performance to defeat South Korea's Wang Chan-Shin Seung Chan 15-21, 21-19, 21-19, while the top-seeded Tang Jie-Ee Wei powered past B. Sumeeth Reddy-N. Sikki Reddy of India 21-9, 21-15 yesterday.
After losing in their race for the Paris Olympics to world No. 9 Tang Jie-Ee Wei, Kian Meng-Pei Jing intend to play a part in helping their compatriots contend for a podium finish.
"I hope they (Tang Jie-Ee Wei) will take this tournament as a good challenge because it will be psychologically tough and the pressure to deliver at the Olympics will be immense," said Kian Meng.
"We will give them a good fight. If we don't, it will be a disrespect to them and to us too."
Pei Jing added, "This tournament serves as good preparation for them because they will want to try to secure a title and boost their confidence ahead of the Olympics."
Kian Meng-Pei Jing have not beaten Tang Jie-Ee Wei in any of their last two encounters.
Kian Meng-Pei Jing, who were the last national shuttlers to win the Malaysia Masters in 2017, were delighted to have prevailed in a tough battle against the Koreans.
They are keen to build on this progress and try to reach their first World Tour semi-finals since their surprise run to the China Open in September last year.
"I wouldn't say it's our best performance, but it was one that showcased our toughness, both mentally and physically," said Kian Meng. "It was nice to play in front of the home fans. We have added motivation because we're trying to win it for them."
The home fans will be hoping to see recently married Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai continue their progress this week after they also checked into the last eight.
Soon Huat-Shevon, the runners-up in 2017, fought from one game down to beat Taiwan's Yang Po Hsuan-Hu Ling Fang 17-21, 21-19, 21-13, setting up their next clash with Indonesia's Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto-Lisa Ayu Kusumawati.
A win will ensure one Malaysian pair in the final, as it would set up an all-Malaysian last-four clash against the winners of the match between Tang Jie-Ee Wei and Kian Meng-Pei Jing.