It was all the more meaningful as the success of either Chen Tang Jie-Peck Yen Wei or Hoo Pang Ron-Cheah Yee See will end a 23-year drought for SEA Games gold in mixed doubles.

Both pairs cruised into the final after defeating opponents from Indonesia.

The last time Malaysia clinched gold was at the 1999 edition in Brunei via Chew Choon Eng and Chor Hooi Yee.

In the semifinals at Bac Giang Gymnasium today, Tan Jie-Yen Wei confirmed their final slot after overpowering Rinov Rivaldy-Pitha Mentari 20-22, 21-13, 21-18.

Pang Ron-Yee See completed the double by beating Adnan Maulana-Mychelle Crhystine Bandaso 18-21, 21-16, 21-17.

Meanwhile, in women’s doubles, Yee See’s pairing with Cheng Su Hui had to settle for a bronze after losing to Thailand’s Benyapa Aimsaard-Nuntakarn Aimsaard 21-16, 21-6 in the semifinals.