KUALA LUMPUR: The Great Wall proved unpenetrable, and in the end, mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei's path to the Malaysia Open final was blocked by China's Feng Yan Zhe-Huang Dong Ping.
The Malaysian duo fell 21-19, 21-14 to the Chinese world No. 1 in the semi-finals of the Super 1000 tournament in 50 minutes at the Axiata Arena today.
After compatriots Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai lost to Thailand's Dechapol- Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran earlier in the day, Malaysian fans were looking to Tang Jie-Ee Wei to pull of something against the Chinese duo.
And Tang Jie-Ee Wei started off well in both games, leading 5-1 in the first and 9-6 in the second. But Yan Zhe-Dong Ping eventually stamped their class.
Things could have been different if Tang Jie-Ee Wei had taken advantage of Yan Zhe's shaky game at the start. But the crafty Dong Ping, who won the 2020 Olympic gold with Wang Yil Yu, soon had things under control.
The defeat ended Malaysia's hopes of having a home pair in the mixed doubles final for the first time since Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying's feat in 2016.
A disappointed Tang Jie said that their inability to finish off their attacks cost them the match.
"We didn't capitalise on certain attacking rallies for points. We had a good game plan, but we couldn't execute it that well."
Though they are world No. 5, Ee Wei conceded that she and Tang Jie still have a long way to go before they could match the world's top pairs.
"We still have to learn a lot from the top players as we are not as good as them. We need to work hard to reach that level," said Ee Wei.
"Although our opponents played a pressing game, we never thought of giving up as the fans were cheering us on. We're sad to lose the match and we owe Malaysian fans an apology."