KUALA LUMPUR: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are now eyeing to top their group at the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou after confirming their semi-final spot today.
Determined to avenge their loss to world No. 13 Dejan Ferdinansyah-Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja in the China Open last month, Tang Jie-Ee Wei delivered a commanding 21-17, 21-18 victory over the Indonesians to record their second Group B win.
The Malaysians will face Japan's world No. 21 Hidori Midorikawa-Natsu Saito tomorrow in their final group fixture.
"We were determined to avenge our defeat to Dejan-Gloria in the China Open today," said Tang Jie.
"In China, I wasn't at my best as I was carrying a knee injury, but today I was fully fit and ready."
It will be Tang Jie-Ee Wei's first WTF semi-final appearance after their debut last year ended at the group stage.
Their coach, Nova Widianto, stressed the importance of maintaining their winning momentum to top the group.
"Tang Jie-Ee Wei must push for victory against Midorikawa-Saito to finish as group winners, even though they've already secured a semi-final spot," said Nova.
"Winning the group will allow them to avoid a tougher semi-final encounter."
By finishing at the top of their group, the Malaysian pair can avoid a potential semi-final clash against world No. 2 Jiang Zhen Bang-Wei Ya Xin of China.