KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia's hopes of retaining the mixed doubles title at next month's World Championships have suffered a major setback after defending champions Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei were forced to withdraw, with Ee Wei continuing her recovery from knee surgery.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed today that the pair will miss the World Championships in New Delhi from Aug 17-23 after Ee Wei recently underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery on her left knee in Melbourne.
In a statement, BAM said the decision was made based on medical advice, with priority given to ensuring Ee Wei makes a full recovery rather than rushing her return to competition.
"BAM has also submitted an application to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to protect Ee Wei's world ranking while she undergoes rehabilitation.
"BAM wishes Ee Wei a smooth recovery and looks forward to welcoming the pair back to competition when she is fully fit," the association said.
Ee Wei is expected to remain sidelined until at least the end of the year as she continues her rehabilitation programme.
The withdrawal means Tang Jie and Ee Wei will be unable to defend the world title they won last year. The pair have also slipped from world No. 5 to No. 7 in the latest BWF rankings.
In Ee Wei's absence, Tang Jie will continue partnering Clarissa San on the BWF World Tour.
The newly formed partnership has made an encouraging start at this week's Taiwan Open, progressing to the second round after edging Indonesia's Renaldi Samosir and Masita Mahmudin 21-19, 18-21, 22-20.
They will next face Thailand's reigning SEA Games champions Ruttanapak Oupthong and Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat for a place in the quarter-finals.
Tang Jie and Ee Wei's withdrawal has also opened the door for Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien, who will make their World Championships debut after earning a place in the main draw as the first reserves. - July 29, 2026
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