KUALA LUMPUR – On paper, Malaysia’s men’s doubles duo Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are poised to dominate the Malaysia Masters at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil which begins tomorrow, given their status as the top-ranked pair.
Yet, this favoured position does not assure success, as upsets and surprises are common in tournaments of this calibre – presenting a challenge even for seasoned players.
For instance, in the previous edition, Indonesian duo Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto, despite being top-seeded, were eliminated in the first round by South Korea’s Kang Min-hyuk-Seo Seung-jae.
Similarly, Aaron-Wooi Yik, seeded second in the tournament last year, was defeated by young Indonesian pair Leo Rolly Carnando-Daniel Marthin in the second round.
Drawing lessons from these events, Aaron-Wooi Yik remain vigilant to avoid being victims again, even as they prepare to face opponents from the qualifying round in the opening round.
“The chances of winning are high, but we still need to give our best to ensure victory.
“Including the Malaysia Masters, these will be our last three tournaments before the Olympic Games,” said Aaron.
If Aaron-Wooi Yik triumph in this competition, it will not only mark their second BWF World Tour title but also end Malaysia’s 11-year drought in this event since Goh V. Shem-Lim Khim Wah clinched it in 2013.
“If we win these remaining three tournaments, it would be great. Our badminton career journey this year has been consistent.
“However, we are still progressing to become stronger tactically and in our playing patterns.
“We hope our performance will continue to be consistent until the Olympics,” said Wooi Yik. – May 20, 2024