KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik believe that fellow Malaysians Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani’s rise can push them to greater heights as well.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin overtook Aaron-Wooi Yik to become the national No. 1 after five years last year by moving up to No. 3 in the world rankings.
The latter dropped one rung to No. 6 but are taking their compatriot’s rise as a positive sign for Malaysia’s men’s doubles.
Previously, Malaysia have been heavily reliant on Aaron-Wooi Yik but Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s stunning progress last year has reduced the burden on the former.
“Sze Fei-Izzuddin’s rise is well deserved for them and positive for Malaysian men’s doubles,” said Aaron after training at the Axiata Arena ahead of the Malaysian Open which starts today.
“Their progress will not just push us to do better but will also motivate the younger pairs. For me, it does not matter who is No. 1 or No. 2 as we are all representing Malaysia.”
Both Aaron-Wooi Yik and Sze Fei-Izzuddin will be the country’s best bets to end the 11-year wait for a home winner in the Malaysian Open.
Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah were the Malaysian men’s pair to capture the title when they emerged champions in 2014.
Malaysia have also not had a winner in the home Open since Datuk Lee Chong Wei triumphed in 2018.
On ending the title drought, Aaron said: “There’s a chance for us. I believe in these past seven years, all the players hoped to win the title at the home Open but it’s not easy because playing at home brings excitement but there’s also pressure. I believe all players will give their best in this Malaysian Open including me and Wooi Yik.
“We have prepared well and will take it one match at a time.”
Aaron-Wooi Yik will play Americans Chen Zhi-yi-Presley Smith in the first round while Sze Fei-Izzuddin will take on Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard.
The other men’s pairs in the fray for Malaysia are Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi and Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub.
