KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 10 Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei will be out to recharge ahead of their debut at next month's World Tour Finals (WTF) after exiting the China Masters today.
The Malaysian pair bowed out of the China Masters after a 21-18, 21-13 semi-final loss in 46 minutes to China's world No. 2 Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping in Shenzhen.
Their physical and mental reserves seemed depleted after Friday's gruelling quarter-final victory against world No. 13 Guo Xin Wa-Chen Fang Hui, where they staged a dramatic second-game comeback from 20-11 down to win in 65 minutes.
Tang Jie admitted that the effort took its toll, making it hard to match the pace of the top-ranked Chinese duo.
"Yan Zhe-Dong Ping were fast, and it was difficult for us. We stayed positive but couldn't get the win," said Tang Jie.
"We have two weeks to prepare for the WTF, but it may not be enough to get into top shape. Still, we will give our best in Hangzhou.
"We've been working on minimising unforced errors and increasing our pace to compete at a higher level."
National mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto remains cautiously optimistic, believing the pair can reach the WTF semi-finals.
However, Ee Wei's recovery from a freak gym accident in September — requiring 16 stitches on her left elbow — may leave her short of her best form.
The China Masters was only Ee Wei's second tournament after last week's Kumamoto Masters, and she may need more time to regain her peak performance.