Big mission: Soh Wooi Yik (right) is currently preparing to defend his historic title along with Aaron Chia.
PETALING JAYA: Soh Wooi Yik believes that using the right strategy is the key to another glorious run in the World Championships.
The national men’s doubles shuttler is currently preparing to defend his historic title along with Aaron Chia at the world meet from Aug 21-27 in Copenhagen.
While under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead, Wooi Yik feels adopting the right approach will be important for their chances.
“Aaron and I really want to defend our title but we know it won’t be easy,” said Wooi Yik.
“Now, we are focusing on adopting the right strategy for the tournament.
“At this level, skills are not as important as using the correct approach.
“We are also looking to improve on where we went wrong in previous tournaments.”
Wooi Yik acknowledged that all eyes will be on the pair, who will be the first Malaysian representatives to attempt to defend the world crown.
“We know that all our opponents will be studying our game,” said Wooi Yik.
“Even in previous competitions, other pairs have been after our scalps.
“As the defending champions, we need to be able to handle the scrutiny.”
World No. 4 Aaron-Wooi Yik have received a first-round bye in the tournament and will likely play Denmark’s world No. 31 Jeppe Bay-Lasse Molhede in the second round.
A win could see them face Taiwan’s reigning Olympics champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi-lin in the third round.
While all attention will be on Aaron-Wooi Yik, independent pair and world No. 8 Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi will also be looking to make their presence felt.
Yew Sin-Ee Yi’s best achievement at the world meet was winning a bronze medal in 2021 in Huelva, Spain.
This time, the duo’s first big test could come in the third round against Denmark’s experienced world No. 11 pair Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen.
Another Malaysian representative will be Taiwan Open winners Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, who have been promoted from the reserves list.
World No. 25 Wei Chong-Kai Wun will play world No. 32 Lucas Corvee-Ronan Labar of France in the first round.
