KUALA LUMPUR: Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are on the brink of achieving their career-best world ranking next week, potentially climbing two spots to world No. 3 after an impressive run at the Malaysia Open.
The Malaysian mixed doubles pair stormed into the quarter-finals with a dominant 21-8, 21-14 victory over Taiwan's Lu Ming Che-Hung En Tzu at the Axiata Arena on Thursday.
The world No. 5 aim to surpass their previous best result in the tournament — the quarter-finals in 2023, while last year, they lost in the round of 16.
This year, however, the stakes are higher.
Reaching the semi-finals would see the Malaysians leapfrog South Korea's Kim Won Ho-Jeong Na Eun to claim the No. 3 spot.
Despite the prospect of achieving a milestone ranking, Tang Jie remains composed.
"We're not dwelling on improving from last year's result. For us, the past is past," said Tang Jie.
"Our focus isn't on tomorrow yet. Right now, we're concentrating on our post-match routine – getting enough rest and recovery to deliver our best on court the next day."
The Malaysians will face Japan's world No. 14 Natsu Saito-Hiroki Midorikawa in the quarter-finals.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei have a slight edge with a 3-2 head-to-head record, including a victory at the World Tour Finals three weeks ago.
Ee Wei also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming fan support at the Malaysia Open.
"The arena atmosphere has been fantastic. It's been packed since day one, and I'm really grateful to the fans who come to cheer for us," said Ee Wei.
"Their support truly motivates us, and we aim to repay their faith with an even better performance."
Tang Jie-Ee Wei have been in fine form since late last year, reaching the semi-finals of the China Masters and finishing runners-up at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou.