From left Aaron Chia, Herry Iman and Soh Wooi Yik.
SEPANG: Reigning Asian Championships winners Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are setting their sights on reclaiming the world championships crown this August in Paris.
Winning their maiden Asian title has served as a significant confidence booster for the 2022 world champions and they want to keep the momentum going.
Aaron said that the journey was far from over as they continue to adapt to the strategies and build up more solid display under the tutelage of newly appointed men’s doubles head coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi.
"Of course we still aim for the World Championship this year but then like I said, we are still adapting to the gameplay from coach Herry," said Aaron after arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 here, from Ningbo, today (April 14).
"So we just keep on going, if it happens, it will happen."
Aaron-Wooi Yik were crowned as the new winners when they silenced a roaring home crowd at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium with a 21-19, 21-17 victory over China’s Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi on Sunday.
Even sweeter, the world number six pair ended an 18-year title drought for Malaysia in the men’s doubles. Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah last won the title for Malaysia at the 2007 edition in Johor Baru.
Aaron was glad that all the plans laid out by Herry had worked wonders throughout the meet, especially after a dismal show in European outings including being sent packing home early at the All-England in Birmingham, last month.
He added that Herry’s presence courtside in Ningbo - his first since assuming the role in February - played a key role in keeping them composed throughout the tournament.
Herry, nicknamed the "Fire Dragon", was unable to accompany them and other players to Europe due to visa issues.
In the meantime, Wooi Yik credited Herry’s influence and described their amazing feat in Ningbo as the best version of their partnership so far.
Despite the win in Ningbo, the 27-year-old said they are still hungry to gain for more tips from the Indonesian.
"This is a new version of us where we get something from coach Herry. So I think this is a good start for us, we are still learning,” he said. - Bernama
