Split up so that more mixed pairs can spread their wings

The new partnership of Chen Tang Jie-toh Ee Wei is not temporary but permanent.

National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky confirmed that he has decided to take a gamble by splitting promising mixed doubles pair Hoo Pang Rontoh Ee Wei so that they could start a new partnership with Yap Ling and Tang Jie respectively.

Rexy wants two good pairs and not one.

Pang Ron-ee Wei were only paired together in June and rose to No. 30 in the world rankings.

“We are hoping to develop two strong mixed pairs by combining Pang Ron with Yap Ling and Ee Wei with Tang Jie. For now, both pairs have been entered for the Bangladesh International (Dec 7-11) and Malaysian International Challenge (Dec 13-18),” said Rexy.

The Indonesian’s decision came after the mixed doubles squad had been left depleted by the resignations of veteran Chan Peng Soon, Cheah Yee See and Peck Yen Wei.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) high performance director Dr Tim Jones has backed Rexy’s move to find the best combinations but admitted that time was running out as the qualifying period for the 2024 Paris Olympics starts next May.

“If we needed to make any changes in the pairings, it needed to happen sooner rather than later. We are looking at all our options now and the tournaments in Bangladesh and Malaysia will give us a better indication of the best combinations,” said Jones.