New partners Aaron-Wooi Yik go down to Maneepong-Nanthakarn in final

Not strong enough: Aaron Chia (left) and Soh Wooi Yik lost 6-21, 5-21 to Thailand’s Maneepong Jongjit-Nanthakarn Yordphaisong in the India International Challenge final at the Brabourne Stadium in India yesterday.

PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik ran out of steam in the men’s doubles final at the India International Challenge in Mumbai.

The unseeded Malaysians, playing together for the last one month, suffered a meltdown and lost 6-21, 5-21 to Thailand’s Maneepong Jongjit-Nanthakarn Yordphaisong at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday.

But national coach Rosman Razak was smiling despite the loss.

“Except for the final today, they have done well. It’s a good start for them,” said Rosman.

“They froze today. That’s understandable as it’s their first final. They played with so much pressure.

“Their opponents were good and had better control of the game. Maneepong is very experienced and he made the difference today.”

Rosman added that they would now focus on helping Aaron-Wooi Yik excel next season.

The duo were promoted to the national senior team after the 2015 World Junior Championship in Bilbao, Spain.

“Aaron and Wooi Yik have the potential to go far. I will submit my report to head coach (Cheah Soon Kit) and we will draw up a programme for them. I hope that they will keep their fire and commitment going,” added Rosman.