KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 9 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei dedicated their Korea Open victory to coach Nova Widianto, crediting him for the confidence that helped them secure their first Super 500 mixed doubles title today.
In the final in Seoul, Tang Jie-Ee Wei fought back after losing the first game to defeat China's Guo Xin Wa-Li Qian 17-21, 21-13, 21-13 in 59 minutes.
For the record, Xin Wa-Li Qian, ranked world No. 241, were playing in only their second tournament as a pair.
"After losing the first game, we didn't give up, and our coach gave us a lot of confidence, too. Of course, we also supported each other on the court.
"This win is for Malaysia, a gift for Merdeka Day," Ee Wei told SPOTV.
This was the pair's first final in a tournament rated above the Super 300 level.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei, who first teamed up in late 2022, won two Super 300 titles at the Orleans Masters and Taiwan Open last year.
This year, the Malaysians were runners-up at the Thailand Masters and Swiss Open.
"Although we won today, we still have a lot to improve on as a pair.
"In the first game, we made too many unforced errors — something we must tighten up," said the 26-year-old Tang Jie.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei earned US$33,180 (RM143,271.24) for their victory.