KUALA LUMPUR – National top-ranked men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals tomorrow by defeating teammates Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani at the Malaysia Open.
The world number four pair dominated the match at the Axiata Arena today, taking only 37 minutes to defeat Sze Fei-Izzuddin in straight sets, 21-15, 21-16.
The win marks an improvement from last year, when Aaron-Wooi Yik were dumped out in the second round by Chinese pair Liu Yuchen-Ou Xuanyi.
“Both pairs played well today, but we were more consistent. I hope we will be more focused in the next round,” said Wooi Yik.
Waiting for Aaron-Wooi Yik in the quarter-finals are 2023 World Champions Kang Min-hyuk and Seo Seung-jae.
“We were world champions in 2022, they were champions in 2023. But now it is 2024, so we start afresh with 0-0.
“We’ve faced them many times and will make the necessary preparations; last month they won the BWF World Tour Finals,” said Aaron.
Aaron-Wooi Yik now stand alongside the independent pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi as the only Malaysians left in the draw.
Wooi Yik encouraged fans to turn up in droves to support both pairs while expressing confidence in their ability to adapt to the challenging situations they may encounter.
“As usual, we will adapt and focus on tomorrow’s game because it will be a tough game,” he said. – January 11, 2024