Toh Ee Wei said winning the Orleans Masters mixed doubles title with partner Chen Tang Jie was “worth it”, despite having to endure a tumultuous career that saw her diagnosed with bone tuberculosis a year ago.

Toh-Chen became Malaysia’s first title winners on the BWF World Tour this year when they beat Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hong Wei-Lee Chia-hsin 21-19, 21-17 on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was sensational throughout the run-up to their maiden Super 300 title, with a commanding front court presence that saw her amass a plethora of points through deft flicks and sharp kills.

But the gifted shuttler admitted it was a different story altogether last year.

“I still remember how me and my family suffered in hospital when I was diagnosed with bone tuberculosis one year ago. I suffered in training daily when I started rehabilitation to strengthen my body.

“I saw my team-mates training on court and I couldn’t join them. Everything is worth it now,” she reflected.

Toh also said she contemplated giving up her career five years ago but thanked Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Norza Zakaria as well as coaches Nova Widianto and Rexy Mainaky for their trust.

For the record, she had also left the BAM in 2019 due to a chronic sinus problem.

Following her latest return, the Malacca-born was paired with Chen and won the Dhaka International Challenge last year and the Iran International in February.

The world number 26 pair's astounding win in Orleans should move them into the top 20 and put them in firm contention to feature at the Sudirman Cup next month.