Ending 23-year wait in style

WINNING gold at the Hanoi Sea Games yesterday meant the world to national mixed doubles pair Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei.

Not only did they end Malaysia's 23-year wait for a mixed doubles title at the biennial event but also contributed to the country's gold medal count.

In the final at the Bac Giang Gymnasium, world No 29 Tang Jie-Yen Wei clawed back from a game down to upset world No 23 Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See 15-21, 21-19, 21-13 in an all-Malaysian final.

Similarly, in Jakarta 23 years ago, Chew Choon Eng-Chor Hooi Yee defeated compatriots Rosman Razak-Norhasikin Amin to win gold.

"We feel very proud of ourselves. We can now dedicate a gold medal for Malaysia in the mixed doubles event.

"Finally, all our hard work and sacrifice have been rewarded," said Yen Wei yesterday.

"Not only did we end Malaysia's long wait for the mixed doubles gold but also contributed to the overall medal haul.

"We believe that when you do your best, God will do the rest," she added.

Following Tang Jie-Yen Wei's heroics, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) achieved the one gold-medal target set for the Hanoi Games.

The Malaysian badminton camp closed their campaign in Vietnam with one gold medal, two silver (men's team and mixed doubles) and one bronze (women's doubles).

At the Manila Sea Games in 2019, the Malaysian badminton camp delivered three gold, two silver and five bronze.

BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, who is also the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president, presented the medals to Tang Jie-Yen Wei and Pang Ron-Yee See.

Related Articles