KUALA LUMPUR: National coaching director Rexy Mainaky believes that the mixed doubles combination of Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei have great potential for success at the Paris Olympics, despite it being their debut appearance.
However, Rexy said Tang Jie and Ee Wei's intense competitive spirit is both a blessing and a curse.
While this trait makes them a formidable pair on the court, it can also lead to hasty decisions that come at a heavy price.
Rexy said the duo's ability to control their emotions will be crucial in achieving the big things they're capable of.
"When I first paired the two up, I told them that both of them will go far," said Rexy.
Pairing up Tang Jie and Ee Wei in November 2022 proved to be one of Rexy's masterstrokes. They quickly emerged as the most promising mixed doubles combination in recent years.
Previously, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing had been holding the fort since the split of Rio Olympics silver medalists Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying in late 2021.
However, no pair had been able to truly step up until Tang Jie-Ee Wei's emergence.
In just 10 months, under the tutelage of former world champion Nova Widianto, Tang Jie-Ee Wei surged into the top 10 thanks to several World Tour victories and have maintained their position since.
This impressive rise also secured them a place in the Olympics at the expense of Soon Huat-Shevon, as they became the highest-ranked Malaysians in the Race to Paris rankings.
"What Tang Jie and Ee Wei share in common is that they always give more than 100 per cent when they enter the court," said Rexy.
"This is what made them click so well. Their individual characters and attitudes complement their combination perfectly.
He added: "The only drawback is that their high desire to win can sometimes work against them. They can get too eager and carried away.
"I've made it clear to them that they have to be careful with that. But in all honesty, if they can pull their act together, the sky is the limit for what they can achieve."
The Paris Games will be Tang Jie-Ee Wei's most significant tournament to date, and fortune seems to be on their side.
They have secured a favorable draw, landing in Group D alongside China's Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping, Singapore's Terry Hee-Jessica Tan, and Americans Vinson Chiu-Jennie Gai.
This draw potentially paves the way for their advancement to the quarter-finals, where a fresh draw will be conducted. A podium finish at the Olympics would mark an exceptional achievement for Tang Jie-Ee Wei.