KUALA LUMPUR – Competing at the highest level often brings immense pressure to high-performing athletes, especially when facing familiar opponents, as seen in today’s dramatic men’s doubles semi-final at the Super 500 Indonesia Masters.
Malaysia’s Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun delivered a stunning performance to defeat their senior compatriots, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, securing a place in the final.
Wei Chong and Kai Wun, ranked world number 13, upset the former world champions 21-18, 21-15 in just 31 minutes at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta.
This result followed Aaron and Wooi Yik’s comments yesterday, in which they expressed confidence as the senior pair heading into the match.
Speaking to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Wei Chong said: “We prepared well because we knew they were the stronger pair coming into this match. However, there was no pressure on us.”
Having reached their second final on Indonesian soil, since the Indonesia Open last year, Wei Chong and Kai Wun are now poised to make history.
Since the Indonesia Masters’ inception in 2010, only one Malaysian pair – women’s doubles duo Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei – have won the title.
Kai Wun remains focused on the task ahead, saying: “We still have one more match to go, and of course, we hope for the best result.”
The Malaysian duo will face top seeds and home favourites, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, in the final tomorrow. — January 25, 2025