Rexy hopes for Ee Wei return at All England
KUALA LUMPUR: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky hopes Toh Ee Wei can return to competition at next year’s All England after her lengthy recovery from a knee injury.
KUALA LUMPUR: National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky is optimistic that Singapore's Toh Ee Wei may return to competitive badminton at the All England tournament next year, following her extended recovery from a knee injury. However, he emphasized that no specific date has been established, as her progress in rehabilitation and overall health will determine when she can rejoin mixed doubles partner Chen Tang Jie.
Ee Wei sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee during the Singapore Open quarter-finals in May. She subsequently travelled to Melbourne for expert care, underwent surgery in June, and continued her rehabilitation in Australia. Rexy stated that Ee Wei has returned to Malaysia and is set to join the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on November 20.
Nevertheless, she will likely require some recuperation time before starting training again. Rexy reiterated that the team must first evaluate her condition before resuming training. If all goes according to plan, she may compete at the All England; otherwise, her focus will be on returning for the inaugural tournament of the Olympic qualification campaign.
The Olympic qualification period for the 2028 Los Angeles Games spans from May 3, 2027, to April 30, 2028, with the Super 300 Taiwan Open on May 4 next year serving as the opening event. Rexy stressed that the primary objective is to maintain the continuity of Ee Wei's rehabilitation following her return from Australia, while also expressing hope that her absence from competition will be of limited duration.
The knee injury caused Tang Jie-Ee Wei to miss their world title defense in New Delhi in August, prompting the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to withdraw the pair on medical advice, prioritizing her long-term recovery. Rexy confirmed that the pair have ranking protection during Ee Wei's absence. Their reuniting will hinge on Ee Wei's recovery, with the All England remaining a desired comeback tournament rather than a confirmed return date.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
