KUALA LUMPUR – National men’s doubles player Yap Roy King is 100% fit to return to action with partner Wan Arif Wan Junaidi after overcoming a knee injury that has sidelined him since December.
Roy King sustained the injury during the Syed Modi International, where they had to concede a walkover to eventual champions Muhammad Haikal Nazri and Choong Hon Jian.
He will make his comeback at the Swiss Open in two weeks and the pair is targetting a quarter-final berth in the Super 300 event.
“(Although) I’m excited to return for my first tournament after a lengthy hiatus, I have to overcome my fear of getting injured again.
“I have recovered 100% from my injury and am fit to play,” said the 23-year-old when met after a training session at Akademi Badminton Malaysia today.
Arif and Roy King were paired together in March of last year and they managed to bag two titles – the Nantes International Challenge and the National Championships.
Since Roy King’s injury, Arif admitted it was tough to train without his partner and is happy to be back in action together.
“The feeling of not partnering with Roy King is different, I have been without him since December.
“I had to switch partners often while training when he was out. Now that he is back, I’m happy to partner with him again.
“Our goal is to reach the quarter-finals at the Swiss Open but I don’t want that to be a burden for us.
“We just want to play our game and display what we have been working on in training during our matches,” said Arif.
Acknowledging the need for readjustment after their hiatus, both players realised the importance of refining their on-court chemistry and communication.
Roy King believes that they need to sharpen their performance before the Swiss Open and work on their on-court rotations and handling of critical points.
“We need to work on our communication, not only on-court but off it as well.
“Another thing is that we need to be better at crucial points. Like when the game is tied 20-20, on several occasions in the past we would lose in those situations.
“But I believe before we leave for the Swiss Open, we will be back to our best form,” said Roy King.
Additionally, Roy King will team up with Valeree Siow in the mixed doubles event and will start their campaign in the qualifying round against the German pair of Jan Voelker and Stine Kuespert.
Despite the dual participation, Roy King remains unfazed.
“Within these three months, I have learned how to protect my body and go through proper recovery, so I don’t think playing in two events will be an issue.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I’m more focused on the process and the result will come.
“It is up to the coach and management to decide if I continue playing in two events, as they know what is best for me and my partner,” said Roy King. – March 1, 2024