PETALING JAYA: Malaysians took to social media to express their joy after men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik made history on Sunday (Aug 28) when they became the country's first World Champions in Tokyo.
The world No. 6 pair secured a superb 21-19, 21-14 victory over Indonesia's three-time world champions Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
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Twitter user @theone_xyz said, "It will shine when the time is right! Now is THAT moment!"
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Another user, @bayuarisandee, congratulated the duo on persevering and not giving up.
"They were struggling these past few months, they’re (sic) didn't give up, they got up and look at them now!
"They’re the world champions and first ever from Malaysia. What a joy, a huge gift for Malaysia independence day," read the post.
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"Malaysia has never had a world champion, but today they created history. Congratulations Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik!" said Nur Alya, who uses the handle @nrlayainsyirh on Twitter.
A user with the handle @saraa_0108 shared similar sentiments, saying, "First BWF title ever - and it's the first World Championship for Malaysia. You did it, Aaron and Wooi Yik. After all, what is meant to be yours will always be yours. Congratulations to our world champions!"
Other users also lauded the pair for never giving up.
"Because of Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, I learned something - never give up on anything even if you think you can't survive it.
"It burdens you but always believe that one day, it will be yours. Keep trying and work hard," said @marrnul_ in her Twitter post.
ALSO READ: Aaron-Wooi Yik's world championship triumph a great gift to all M'sians, says Dr Wee
"Thank you for not giving up. Happy Independence Day, Malaysians," @aaaliatira__ said.
Several social media users also thanked men's doubles coach Rexy Mainaky for his efforts.
"Rexy Mainaky. He vowed to create world champs for Malaysia but Koo & Tan failed in the final hurdle. He left, came back to finish the job with Aaron Chia and Soh Woi Yik!
"Thank you Rexy! Malaysia will forever be indebted," said @jagmeet_93.
On Facebook, user Mark David said it was a "fantastic result and definitely a huge surprise".
"Our doubles pair really stepped up and made us proud. Hope they get stronger and continue to be successful," he said.
Harry Lai meanwhile said the victory was "just in time to celebrate National Day with more cheers" before asking, tongue-in-cheek, if there would be a public holiday followed by a smiley.
