Tehran: In an all-Malaysian mixed doubles final, the World No. 56 Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei defeated compatriots World No. 75 Hoo Pang Ron/Teoh Mei Xing 21-19, 21-15 to win the Iran Fajr International Challenge – their second title as a pair, after claiming the 2022 Bangladesh International Challenge on Dec 11, 2022.
The victory also allowed Chen/Toh to make up for their disappointment of losing to the same opponents during the final of the Malaysia International Challenge, in December last year. Hoo/Teoh came out on top in the Malaysia International Challenge final by beating Chen/Toh 18-21, 21-15, and 21-19. This was the first time the mixed doubles event was added as part of the Iron International Challenge tournament since it was first established in 1991.
Their coach, Nova Widianto, who took over the responsibility as Malaysia’s mixed doubles coach, was happy with their performances.
“Of course, I am satisfied with the achievements made by both pairs even though this was only an International Challenge level tournament. What is most important is that they managed to collect the maximum ranking points,” said Widianto.
The success in Tehran has definitely boosted the confidence of Chen/Toh as they will be part of the Malaysian team to compete at the Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championships (BAMTC) 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting from 14 until February 19.
Meanwhile, Teoh Mei Xing who also advanced to the women’s doubles final with Go Pei Kee was unfortunately had to settle for silver when Teoh/Go went down to Jesita Putri Miantoro/Febi Setianingrum of Indonesia 22-20, 16-21, and 17-21.
In the men’s singles final, 18-year-old Justin Hoh of Malaysia who won the 2022 Malaysia International Challenge last December, squandered a 15-10, 17-13 lead in the decider by going down to Syabda Perkasa Belawa of Indonesia 21-18, 12-21, 20-22.
Second-seeded Christian Bernardo/Alvin Morada of the Philippines managed to prevent the Indonesian team from winning its third title of the day by beating Raymond Indra/Daniel Edgar Marvino 21-16, 21-17 for the men’s doubles title.
The women’s singles final saw the second seed Tanya Hemanth of India overcome her teammate and the top seed Tasnim Mir 21-7, 21-11.
