Aaron-Wooi Yik need new weapons against Chinese bogeymen
KUALA LUMPUR: The Great Wall again stands in their way. Previously, China's men’s doubles Li Jun Hui-Liu Yu Chen were tormenting Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik. Now, their successors, Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang, are doing the same to the Malaysian duo.
Malaysia's doubles badminton team, consisting of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, face a new challenge ahead. The Chinese pair of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang have proven troublesome for the Malaysian duo. After losing to the Chinese duo in the World Championships final, Aaron openly admitted that they need to implement changes to their gameplay.
At the World Championships final, Aaron-Wooi Yik lost to Wei Keng-Wang Chang in straight games, further widening their 12-3 head-to-head record deficit. Despite Wei Keng-Wang Chang being ranked higher, the Malaysian team felt disappointed as they had previously defeated the top-ranked Korean player, Kim Won Ho-Seo. Aaron believes that they need to discuss this issue with their coach and consider making adjustments to their gameplay when facing Liang and Wang.
The Chinese men's doubles coach, Chen Qi Qiu, may have already found a strategy to tackle the Malaysian pair based on past encounters, including their losses to Aaron-Wooi Yik in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics semi-finals and the 2024 Paris Olympics semi-finals. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Aaron and Wooi Yik must find a way to retain their partnership, as they have previously been separated in a reshuffle experiment.
Herry, known for his tactical skills, will need to devise a solution for Aaron-Wooi Yik to overcome Wei Keng-Wang Chang.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
