KUALA LUMPUR – Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik’s poor performance in three consecutive tournaments prompted their much needed special three-day retreat in Penang, confirmed Badminton Association of Malaysia administrative director Michelle Chai.
She emphasised that the decision was made collectively, involving players, coaches and psychologist Frederick Tan.
“Aaron and Wooi Yik need this break to refocus before the Olympics next month,” Michelle told Scoop when contacted.
She said the coaching staff revisited this issue with Frederick during the Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open and Indonesia Open.
“After each of these tournaments, discussions were held, and the initial plan was indeed to bring the involved players to Sarawak.
“However, the (final) decision was made to bring Aaron and Wooi Yik to Penang, while the other two pairs continued training here at Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara,” she added.
For context, the world’s fifth-ranked men’s doubles pair were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Masters (May 21-26) and the Singapore Open the following week.
Then at the Indonesia Open last week, they were ousted in the second round.
The other pairs – women’s doubles Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, and mixed doubles Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei – are focusing on their court preparation.
Michelle revealed that every programme for the Olympics-bound shuttlers had been meticulously tailored to their specific needs and requirements.
“We did have a plan, but after each tournament, we assess the needs of each player, especially with the Olympics approaching. Therefore, we need to tailor the programme accordingly,” said Michelle.
The choice of Penang for this camp is strategic, as Frederick has access to various resources to facilitate the modules and activities.
In addition to these three doubles pairs, the national badminton squad will also be strengthened by the inclusion of men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia and women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei at the upcoming Paris Olympics. – June 12, 2024