Rexy’s unwavering faith in his charges despite setbacks pays off big time

Keep up the good work: Rexy Mainaky says better communication between Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik has helped them to go all the way in Tokyo.

REXY Mainaky was overjoyed after helping national doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik end their title drought in style by capturing the world crown in Tokyo.

The doubles coaching director saw his faith in the much-maligned duo pay off handsomely when they stunned Indonesia’s three-time world champions Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan 21-19, 21-14 in the final at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium yesterday to end Malaysia’s long wait for a world title.

“To be honest, I need to say thank you to God because I have been asking him to give his blessings and help Aaron-Wooi Yik win the first world title for Malaysia.

‘‘I’ve seen the likes of Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia and even England win the World Championships but not Malaysia despite the sport’s popularity in the country. So, I need to thank God for answering my prayers,” said Rexy.

“It’s amazing for Aaron-Wooi Yik to become the first Malaysians to win it. I feel like everything is good now. I kept telling them to just play for themselves and their family members. And then after they win, they can dedicate it to the country because everyone will celebrate this. I’m so proud of them.”

The Indonesian will feel vindicated after standing by Aaron-Wooi Yik when they were constantly criticised for not winning an Open title yet and for their poor record in the semi-finals of past tournaments.

The duo had lost six times in the last four this year.

“Criticism can make players mentally stronger, especially world class players. People kept calling them out for not being able to break their semi-final jinx.

‘’But now they have not just got past that stage but also managed to win the world crown! I kept telling them that they need to connect well on court. I saw that their communication was better in this tournament and it helped them to win,” said Rexy.

It was also a personal redemption for Rexy after his heartbreak of seeing Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong – then under his guidance – lose the 2010 final to China’s Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun.

Twelve years later, the Indonesian can finally savour his moment in the sun.