KUALA LUMPUR: BAM mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto likes what he sees in training; Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei seem good enough for an Olympic medal next month.
Nova should know. After all, the Indonesian was a former two-time world mixed doubles champion with Liliyana Natsir. He also won a silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Nova said world No. 9 Tang Jie-Ee Wei have shown remarkable progress in training.
He pointed out that their gameplay is discomfiting to opponents, making them a threat to others in Paris.
However, Nova said it is crucial that Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are well prepared for the mental game.
"At this critical period, preparing their mental game is the most important thing. Their gameplay is solid and disliked by opponents.
"On their mental preparations, Frederick Tan (BAM's psychologist) has been having sessions with them. We, coaches, try to open their minds so that they have a better understanding on the court.
"Their pace is high and it's difficult to contend with. I'm very confident that they can bring home a medal from the Olympics," said Nova.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who will be making their Olympic debut in Paris, were only paired up in December 2022 but showed a meteoric rise by winning the Orleans Masters just four months later. They also won the Taipei Open last year and then qualified for the season-ending World Tour finals.