Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik reunion still up in the air despite strong world championships run, says coach

The Malaysian men's doubles partnership of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik remained uncertain despite their strong performance at the 2026 World Championships in New Delhi, India. In the final against China's Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, the Malaysians secured a runners-up spot, losing 17-21, 16-21 in a 35-minute match. Head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi confirmed that a decision regarding their future partnership would be made by the end of the year, stating that both Chia and Wooi Yik will experience with their new partners and see how their partnerships progress.

The Malaysian badminton association made significant changes in the men's doubles department, pairing Aaron Chia with rising player Aaron Tai, while Soh Wooi Yik was partnered with Man Wei Chong. The BAM's strategic shake-up was part of its long-term plan to secure Malaysia's first Olympic gold medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

In a post-match interview, Herry admitted that his charges were below their best against the Chinese pair. The two-time Olympic bronze medallist failed to reproduce his performance against South Korean duo Kim Won Ho-Seo and Seo Jae, who eliminated them in the semi-final (21-17, 21-18). The Chinese pair also played with a lot of confidence in their encounter with Chia and Wooi Yik.

Despite the loss, the defeat solidified Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen's status as the first Chinese men's doubles pair to win the world title in eight years. The world No. 3 pair also extended their dominance over Chia and Wooi Yik, winning 12 of their 15 meetings. The Malaysians had last won a tournament in the Singapore Open 2025, defeating Won Ho-Seung Jae 15-21, 21-18, 21-19.