Malaysian pair just one win away from creating history in Asian junior meet
PETALING JAYA: Toh Ee Wei and Pearly Tan Koong Le are in good stead to become the first Malaysian girls’ doubles winners in the Asian Junior individual championships in Jakarta.
Chor Hooi Yee-Lim Pek Siah (2007), Tee Jing Yi-Lydia Cheah (2007) and Lee Meng YeanChow Mei Kuan (2011) have all come close but fell short in the finals to settle for silver.
But Malaysia can count on Ee Wei-Pearly to break the duck today after they stunned second seeds Agatha Imanuela-Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti of Indonesia 21-15, 23-21 in the last four to become the first Malaysian pair to reach the final in seven years.
In the second game, Ee Wei-Pearly let slipped three match points at 20-17, but they held their nerves to seal the victory.
“It was nerve wracking. I thought we were going to nail it by playing it safe, but our defensive approach almost backfired,” said Ee Wei.
“But we were determined that we’re not going to let them stretch us to the rubber game. Playing in front of their home crowd, they are definitely the favourites.
“The key to today’s victory was down to our mental strength. Pearly and I, have always believed in each other. That’s why we are strong.”
Having surpassed their semi-final target, Ee Wei now aims to go all the way to win it.
But Ee Wei and Pearly will have another home crowd favourite Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Ribka Sugiarto awaiting them in the last hurdle.
The Indonesians marched into the title match by ousting top seeds Liu Xuanxuan-Xia Yuting of China 25-23, 14-21, 21-15.
“We have never faced them before, but one thing is for sure, Febriana-Ribka will just be as tough to beat. We’ll need a comprehensive game plan,” Ee Wei.
“But we’re fired up. Having come this far,
there’s no holding back. Our initial target was just the semis.
“I was told that there’s no Malaysian winners in this event before, so there’s plenty to play for!” she said.