Manila is great unknown for Hong Kong mixed doubles duo as Asia Championships spark change of plan

Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet return to action in Philippines after tournament was scheduled at short notice – with bumper ranking points on offer

They took much-needed four-month break after World Championships, where they claimed bronze medal

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Tang Chun-man (left) and Tse Ying-suet will return to action at the Asia Championships after a four-month break. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:17pm, 25 Apr 2022Updated: 8:22pm, 25 Apr 2022

Top mixed doubles pair Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet will take to the courts for the first time in four months when the Asia Championships begin in Manila on Tuesday.

After a successful trip in December to the World Championships, at which they clinched a bronze medal, Tang and Tse will be aiming to prove in the Philippines that they remain among the world’s best.

Their plans for this year were turned upside down when the tournament was scheduled at short notice, with vital ranking points on offer, but they will be hoping for a post-holiday bounce.

“I feel very excited about getting back to competition after such a long break,” said Tang before their departure last Friday.

“Late last year, we played seven tournaments in three months and it was so exhausting that we were desperate for a break, because we have never experienced that kind of schedule before. But now we are eager to play again.”

Badminton head coach Tim He Yiming had intended to rest the mixed doubles duo for longer. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

With the Asian Games in Hangzhou looming in September and dominating this year, head coach Tim He Yiming wanted to rest 30-year-old Tse and partner Tang, 27. He planned to put the pair – who finished in fourth place at the Tokyo Olympic Games last summer – back on the world tour in June.