KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles shuttlers Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are delighted to give Malaysia much cheer on Merdeka Day.
The world No. 9 pair won their semi-final match against China's Cheng Xing-Zhang Chi, 22-20, 21-19 in the Korea Open at the Mokpo Indoor Stadium in Seoul today.
"Today is a very special day for us. I know everyone is supporting us and we will always try to make you all proud. We will now prepare for the final tomorrow.
"Happy Independence Day to our lovely country and thanks to all the fans for supporting us.
"We will always give our best no matter what tournament we play in," Ee Wei told SPOTV in a post-match interview.
Tang Jie is delighted that he and Ee Wei can deliver a win for Malaysia on Independence Day.
He is also thrilled that they have entered the final of a tournament above the Super 300-level for the first time.
Since they were paired up in late 2022, Tang Jie-Ee Wei have reached four Super 300 tournament finals, They won the Orleans Masters and Taipei Open last year and finished second at the Thailand Masters and Swiss Open this year.
"It was not easy for us to return
to action after the Olympic disappointment. We wanted to go further than the quarter-finals.
"So, we are pleased with this breakthrough, getting into a Super 500 final," said Tang Jie who played in a Super 500 final with Peck Yen Wei (who had retired) at the 2022 India Open.
But Tang Jie-Ee Wei will face a tricky Korea Open final as they are up against fast rising Chinese pair Guo Xin Wa-Li Qian, who stunned South Korea's Paris Olympics silver medallists Kim Won Ho-Jeong Na Eun 21-14, 22-24, 21-10 in the last four.
"We didn't watch their game because we were next up after them. Of course, they are a strong pair, if not, they wouldn't have entered the final.
"We will try to stay calm and I will discuss the gameplan with my partner later," added Tang Jie.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will be looking to win their first title this year after losing in the Thailand Masters and Swiss Open finals.