KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s doubles shuttler Aaron Chia knows how to face adversities head on.
The 26-year-old Aaron had to learn it the hard way when he braved through a shoulder injury en route to winning the country’s first ever world title in badminton with his reliable partner Soh Wooi Yik in Tokyo last year.
And he believes that his past painful experience has taught him to face the challenging road ahead in the ongoing world meet in Copenhagen with a positive mindset.
“We know how to handle tough situation because we are in it. I remember last year when I was carrying a shoulder injury and could not play at the back court. It was really a difficult situation,” said Aaron.
“But I know myself well and understand what I can and can’t do. I stayed calm despite the injury and I think, that clarity in mind, helped me through it.
“And of course, having a good partner who covered up for me helped.”
Wooi Yik said one had to step up when the other was down.
“I usually play at the front but I had to cover the back and surprisingly, I could do it and it worked well – that’s how we help one another.”
In Copenhagen, Aaron and Wooi Yik will count on one another again to enjoy another good run.
After a first round bye, they will take on Jeppe Bay-Lasse Molhede of Denmark in the second round and on paper, should go through.
If they win, they are likely to face Olympic Games champions Lee Yang-Wang Chi-lin of Taiwan, who are expected to win against Japan’s Akira Koga-Taichi Saito.
In another second round match-up today, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi will take on Thailand’s Pharanyu Kaosamaang-Worrapol Thongsa-Nga.
