It was even sweeter when the success came after they had gone through the ordeal of temporarily separating in March following a disagreement, but the decision to reconnect last June proved to be a wise decision because it not only cleared up their relationship, but was the main catalyst that brought the pair to the top of the world in Paris.
Besides Tang Jie-Ee Wei, another history was also created in Paris when the country's number one women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah emerged as runners-up after conceding to the power of China's top doubles Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning, thus becoming the first women shuttlers of the country to go the furthest in the World Championships.
Pearly-Thinaah also displayed consistent action throughout this year by bringing home three titles, namely the Thailand Open, Arctic Open and Japan Masters, as well as emerging as runners-up at the Indonesia Masters, Indonesia Open and Japan Open.
The presence of Herry Iman Pierngadi, a high-profile coach from Indonesia as the head coach of the country's men's doubles since February has created an impact on Malaysian pairs, including helping Aaron-Wooi Yik win three titles, namely the Asian Championship, Thailand Open and Singapore Open, as well as runners-up at China Open and Arctic Open.
Also known as the ‘Fire Dragon’, Herry was also effective in guiding Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun to win the Malaysia Masters title on home soil, which was also the first success for a Malaysian pair since Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah last achieved it in 2013.
Unlike the encouraging achievements of the national doubles, both men's and women's singles representatives had a dismal season this year with no titles to show.
A back injury suffered by the national professional men's singles player Lee Zii Jia forced him to miss many tournaments including not defending the Thailand Open and Australian Open titles.
Unlike Herry, the appointment of Danish coach Kenneth Jonassen, who once trained world champion Viktor Axelsen, as the national singles coaching director has yet to create magic, especially in improving the performance of Leong Jun Hao, who currently holds the status of the number one men's singles player in the national squad.
