{
  "id": 2738443,
  "title": "'Splitting Aaron-Wooi Yik defies logic', says badminton legend Razif",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/splitting-aaron-wooi-yik-defies-logic-says-badminton-legend-razif",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T07:01:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/08/1517141/splitting-aaron-wooi-yik-defies-logic-says-badminton-legend-razif"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Badminton legend Razif Sidek has called for the Malaysian Badminton Association (BAM) to keep the Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik pairing together for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Razif argues that no other Malaysian duo possesses the experience or caliber to challenge for gold at the tournament. The world No. 4 pairing has consistently proven their reliability in major tournaments, having secured two Olympic bronze medals, a world title, and multiple other victories since 2020. Razif emphasizes that the pair's experience and track record make them the best choice for Malaysia, as they are the country's first world champions. He believes that splitting them would be a significant waste, as no other pairing can match their ability to battle for gold. Razif notes that even world No. 6 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani failed to overcome the South Korean duo in their quarter-final clash, proving that Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are a force to be reckoned with. He advises BAM to focus on building a strong second and third pair while retaining Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who will partner Tee Kai Wun for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, leaving Wooi Yik out.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek has urged the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to retain Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik as a pair, warning that no other Malaysian duo possesses the experience or quality to challenge for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.",
  "key_points": [
    "Razif Sidek urges BAM to retain Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik pairing for 2028 Olympics.",
    "Pair holds two Olympic bronze medals, a world title, and multiple victories since 2020.",
    "Razif asserts no other Malaysian duo can challenge Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik for gold."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Splitting the experienced and successful Aaron-Chia-Soh Wooi Yik pairing would be a significant waste, as no other Malaysian duo has the same level of experience or ability to challenge for gold.",
  "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."
}