PETALING JAYA: More help will be given to make national men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun hardy.

While happy with the rapid progress shown by Wei Chong-Kai Wun, national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the Malaysian duo could have reached the Indonesian Open semi-finals if not for falling victim to crowd intimidation at Istora Senayan in Jakarta last week.

World No. 7 Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun played amidst boos and jeers en route to losing 18-21, 21-12, 18-21 in the last four against world No. 8 homesters Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza.

Rexy said the jeers had affected Wei Chong-Kai Wun although they had been in the same situation at the same stage last year. Last year, they defeated Sabar-Moh in the semis to reach the Indonesian Open final.

“I spoke to Wei Chong-Kai Wun and they admitted that they were affected by the jeers,” said Rexy.

“We cannot do anything about the fans as this is part of sports. This type of incident happens in football matches too.

“Our players need to be mentally tougher when they take on Indonesian players in Istora. We have to help our players handle this.”