Tang Jie pays tribute to role model Liu Ying

“The first person I partnered with was Liu Ying. From being a young inexperienced kid until now capable of holding my own ground, she taught me a lot about badminton and life.

“Although we do not see each other often, when we do, she will make it a point to ask me how I’m doing. From her, I not only gained certain cognitive skills, but also developed a belief in badminton which pushed me to become better,” he told Feminine Malaysia in a recent interview

Chen also won a title with the soon-to-be mother at the 2017 India International.

Six years on, the 25-year-old's confidence continued to soar thanks to the blossoming partnership with Toh Ee Wei that saw the pair win three titles this year.

As a result, they hovered just outside the top 10 rank at 14th, firmly on course to make the cut for the Paris Olympics next year.

He pointed out having excellent communication as key to their success.

“Whenever we are in a dilemma or think of a better strategy, we will voice it out immediately. Communication is the only way to understand each other’s thoughts. Ee Wei and I are exactly like this.

“It is inevitable we will disagree. But when we know the consequences of speaking out, we will come to a consensus so that the emotions off court will not be carried into it,” he added.

Besides Goh and Toh, the KL-lad also briefly partnered Valeree Siow and Peck Yen Wei, whom he won the 2021 SEA Games gold medal with.

The colourful shuttler started playing the game aged seven and dabbled in various disciplines including men’s singles and doubles.

He affirmed he is one of the fortunate ones to be chasing his dreams: “I never regret choosing badminton as my life. It is something I’m proud of, and I will do my best to fulfil it.”

Chen-Toh will next see action at the Japan Open next week, where they face Dutch pair Robin Tabeling-Selena Piek in the first round.