{
  "id": 15697087,
  "title": "Herry's men's doubles shake-up: Progress or growing pains?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/herrys-mens-doubles-shake-up-progress-or-growing-pains",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T04:25:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/10/1559561/herrys-mens-doubles-shake-progress-or-growing-pains"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kuala Lumpur witnessed a shake-up in the men's doubles lineup, with coach Herry Iman Pierngadi defending the changes despite varied outcomes. Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King claimed the Super 500 Arctic Open title in Finland, but other new pairs encountered setbacks at the Malaysia Super 100 tournament in Johor. Kang Khai Xing-Lok and Lok Hong Quan advanced to the semi-finals, while Wan Arif Junaidi-Faiq Haziq Masawi was eliminated in the first round.\n\nCoach Herry noted that progress is likely, as new pairs face challenges. He emphasized that the reshuffle process will continue until next year, acknowledging that \"everything takes time\" and \"nothing happens overnight.\" Some new pairs are excelling, while others require more time to settle.\n\nFollowing their success at the Arctic Open, Aaron Tai and Roy King faced a loss at the Denmark Open, where they were defeated by Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. World No. 4 Chia advanced to the runner-up position alongside Indonesian No. 3 Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto. Meanwhile, Arif was sidelined due to a shoulder injury, preventing him from performing at his best during the Johor event. Herry explained that Arif was not at his physical peak, as his shoulder condition was not fully recovered. Consequently, Arif was withdrawn from the upcoming Indonesia Masters Super 100 tournament.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Herry Iman Pierngadi is standing by his men’s doubles reshuffle, despite contrasting results from the new pairings.",
  "key_points": [
    "Herry defends men's doubles lineup changes despite mixed results",
    "Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King win Super 500 Arctic Open title",
    "Kang Khai Xing-Lok and Lok Hong Quan reach semi-finals"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The ongoing reshuffle of the men's doubles lineup prioritizes long-term development over immediate consistency, accepting early tournament setbacks as necessary growing pains for the nation's emerging badminton pairs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}