KUALA LUMPUR: The mental and physical exhaustion was clearly evident at the China Open as Malaysian mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei have been competing without a break since the Paris Olympics in August.
The world No. 9 duo's valiant efforts in reaching the Olympic quarter-finals was a sign that they had possibly found a way to perform at the highest level, and much was expected from them from the BWF tour after that.
While most of the top pairs skipped the tour events post-Olympics to rest and recover, Tang Jie-Ee Wei decided to push for qualification for the season-ending World Tour Finals in Hangzhou on Dec 10-15.
Hence, the seemingly tireless Tang Jie-Ee Wei played in the Japan, Korea and Hong Kong Opens after the Paris Games, and faltered in the second round of the China Open in Changzhou today (Sept 19).
Based on their ability, Tang Jie-Ee Wei should have beaten world No. 16 Dejan Ferdinansyah-Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja of Indonesia, but the physically drained Malaysains suffered a 21-15, 13-21, 21-9 defeat in 56 minutes at the Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium.
Despite making a strong comeback in the second game, they could not stop the Indonesians from pulling away with an easy 21-9 win.
"We need some rest. We may play in the European tournaments, but we are not sure yet," said 22-year-old Ee Wei.
Tang Jie, 26, said that he was unable to lift himself against the Indonesians after their fine run, which included winning the Korea Open three weeks ago.
The duo also reached the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open last week.
"I didn't really play well from the first game until the final game. I feel sorry for my partner because I wasn't able to provide cover although she tried her very best," said Tang JIe.
""Once we are on court, we should not be giving the excuse that we need a breather.
"But having physically tried our best in the last few tournaments, I do feel that we may need some rest after this."
However, it was not all gloom for Malaysia as world No. 32 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin ensured the country is with a representative in China as they defeated compatriots Yap Roy King-Veleree Siow 21-9, 21-15 in the second round.
It was Pang Ron-Su Yin's first quarter-final appearance in a Super 1000 event, and awaiting them are Tang Jie-Ee Wei's conquerors Dejan-Gloria.
Pang Ron-Su Yin have never played the Indonesian pair before, but some tips from Tang Jie-Ee Wei may help them pull off an upset.
Meanwhile, independent pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing's run was halted in the second round by rising Denmark pair Jesper Toft-Amalie Magelund who won 21-18, 21-18 in 36 minutes.
"Our opponents have the speed and were more consistent while we committed too many unforced errors," said Kian Meng.