NATIONAL mixed doubles pair, Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei smashed their way to a second World Tour title after they were crowned as the Taipei Open 2023 champions, today.

The fourth seeds pair denied a chance for Taiwanese duo, Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Lin Xiao Min to clinch the Super 300 title at their home ground, 21-12, 21-8, in a one-sided final match that lasted 30 minutes at the Tian-mu Arena, University of Taipei.

A series of errors gave the advantage to Chen and Toh to enjoy a five-point margin lead at 11-6 and were in complete control after the first interval to take a pretty comfortable lead in the opening set, 21-12.

The world number 19 duo got off to an excellent start in the second game as they raced to a 5-0 lead and overwhelmed Hsiang Chieh-Xiao Min, ranked 50th best in the world, with their sublime attacking display to seal the title, 21-8.

The duo showed great promise as they took two months to get their first victory when they bagged the Iran International Challenge 2023 title, beating compatriots Hoo Pang Rong-Teoh Mei Xing 21-19, 21-15, in February.

The Malaysians then secured their maiden World Tour title at the Orleans Masters 2023 in France as they trounced another Taiwanese pair, Ye Hong Wei-Lee Chia Hsin, 21-19, 21-17, last April.

Today’s victory saw Chen and Toh end a 19-year-podium-drought for Malaysia’s after Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty last won it for the country in the 2004 edition.

The duo pocketed US$16,590 (RM77,5620) following their win today while runners-up, Hsiang Chieh-Xiao Min, took home US$7,980 (RM37,308).

Another Malaysian pair and fifth seeds, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are set to defend their title against second seeds, Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han, of Taiwan, in the men’s doubles final, to be held later today. – Bernama, June 25, 2023.