'Walk before you run': Ee Wei shows progress after ACL surgery

KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei is experiencing progress in her recovery after undergoing ACL surgery in Australia. Her sister, Cammie, has flown from Malaysia to Melbourne to aid in her care, taking over from their mother, Jane Yeo, who had been with Ee Wei since her departure in June. "It's my turn to take care of her now," Cammie shared on Instagram.

Following the shutteir's knee injury sustained at the Singapore Open in May, Ee Wei opted for a second opinion before having surgery in June to mend a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee. The 25-year-old has shown promising improvement since the operation and recently was seen walking with minimal assistance from crutches.

Ee Wei expressed the importance of proper movement before advancing to more complex tasks, quoting her coach. She is currently undergoing rehabilitation at Melbourne's Centaur Institute under the guidance of physiotherapist Andrew Casserly and the head of performance and biomechanics, Dr Argell San Jose. Casserly commended Ee Wei's recent update, stating that "the basics have been done ruthlessly well."

The injury has temporarily halted Ee Wei's partnership with Chen Tang Jie, as she focuses on regaining her strength, mobility, and fitness before returning to competition. The duo did not defend their world title at the recent World Championships in New Delhi, India. Tang Jie has since moved on to partner Clarissa San and will join forces with Cheng Su Ying at the upcoming China Masters. The timeline for Ee Wei's return to the World Tour remains uncertain.