Biggest career victory: Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun celebrating after winning the Indonesian Masters final. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Playing the role as the first doubles for the first time in a team event can be intimidating but Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are game for the challenge.
Indonesian Masters champions Wei Chong-Kai Wun have been given the mandate to lead in their debut at the Asia Mixed Team Championships in China from Feb 11-16 in the absence of the top two pairs – world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and world No. 5 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who were the 2022 world champions.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have decided to give the younger pair a chance to prove a point.
While admitting the huge responsibility on their shoulders, Wei Chong said they would take the opportunity to live up to the expectations as the top pair in the team event.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in this team,” said Wei Chong.
“I don’t feel the pressure, as we are both part of team Malaysia. I trust my teammates, and we will just do our best.”
Last week, Wei Chong-Kai Wun clinched their biggest career title in Indonesia but promised they would remain grounded despite their victory.
“Winning the tournament was a great achievement, but it’s not a reason for us to get too comfortable,” said this 25-year-old Wei Chong.
“The tournament was only part of a bigger picture and we still have so much to learn from the seniors. It was a good start, but there’s no room for complacency.
“We don’t always get to play in team competition. We need to stay focused because it’s not easy to win.
“I hope to contribute points for Malaysia in every match.”
While they feel more confident after their recent success, both players know that their journey is far from over.
“We’re not just aiming for comfort. We must continue to learn and improve,” he said.
Looking ahead, the duo have set their sights on reaching the top 10 in world rankings under new head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi.
“We’ve had this target for the last two years, and we haven’t achieved it yet. But we hope this year we will be able to achieve it under coach Herry,” said Wei Chong.
“I believe he can help us. With almost 30 years of experience in Indonesia and a history of coaching Olympic champions and top players, we are hopeful that his guidance will improve our game.”
“If we focus too far ahead, we might lose sight of the present. We prefer to take it step by step, without adding pressure on ourselves,” he added.
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