Strong belief: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have been doing well physically and intend to maintain their momentum in the second round of the China Masters today.
PETALING JAYA: National men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are fully aware of the pressure that’s on them to do well in the China Masters as their ticket to the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou next month depends on it.
One step at a time is the name of the game for Aaron-Wooi Yik as they secured the opening round win against Indonesia’s Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin, defeating them 21-12, 21-18 in 39 minutes at the Shenzhen Gymnasium yesterday.
Currently in ninth place in the Race to Hangzhou, world No. 5 Aaron-Wooi Yik have a narrow chance to qualify for the Finals but will have to win the title in Shenzhen or at least reach the final to increase their chances.
As cliched as it sounds, Aaron-Wooi Yik are intending to take things one match at a time as the pressure builds around them.
“I think sometimes there is pressure about it, it could also be better for us.
“Approaching things match by match, and by believing that we have done our best, good things will come,” said Aaron.
Wooi Yik added that they have been doing well physically, and intend to maintain their momentum in the second round today.
“Our shots and speed were quite good and we are feeling physically good. We want to stay consistent in each match,” said Wooi Yik.
With compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun in seventh in the Race to Hangzhou, Aaron added that it’s been a healthy fight between Malaysians chasing for the Finals qualification.
“It’s a fair competition between us and the other Malaysian pairs, everyone is looking for the final spot in the Finals,” said Aaron.
Aaron-Wooi Yik will now have to get past fellow countrymen Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub in the second round, who took down Thailand’s Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul by defeating them 21-19, 21-15 yesterday.
Meanwhile, professional pair and seventh seed Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, who have assured their spot in the World Tour Finals next month, also advanced to the second round after winning 21-23, 21-14, 21-13 against Japan’s Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura.
