Aaron refreshed for action ahead after precious downtime with wife and kids

Much-needed break: Aaron Chia with his wife and children in Disneyland, Hong Kong.

PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttler Aaron Chia is feeling refreshed ahead of a pivotal year after a short holiday with his family.

Aaron was given a three-day break at the end of the year and took full advantage to spend some much needed downtime with his wife and children.

“The coaches gave us a short break just before Christmas and I decided to take my family for a holiday to Hong Kong,” said Aaron.

“I feel it was important to get some time to rest after a long, hectic year before returning to court.

“I’m back in training now and I feel refreshed to face the new year.”

Aaron is hoping for a fruitful year with partner Soh Wooi Yik after a fairly consistent 2023.

The pair had won bronze medals in the World Championships and Hangzhou Asian Games, and ended their long wait for a World Tour title in the Denmark Open in October.

Aaron, though, believed he and Wooi Yik can do better after going through a dip in form towards the end of the year.

The pair lost in the second round in both the Japan and China Masters in November and did not get past the group stages in the prestigious season-ending World Tour Finals last month.

“Wooi Yik and I did okay last year but perhaps we lost a bit of focus after winning the Denmark Open,” said Aaron.

“In the Tour Finals, we were feeling some pressure as we had never survived the group stages before.

“So, we are looking to improve further this year.”

Aaron and Wooi Yik’s first major assignment this year will be the Malaysian Open from Jan 9-14 in Bukit Jalil.

The duo are out to get their year off to a good start with a strong showing in the home event.

“So far, our preparations for the tournament have been going well,” said Aaron.

“We hope to get a good start this year. It’s important for us to perform well at home.”

Aaron-Wooi Yik, who are currently ranked No. 4 in the world, will open their campaign against Denmark’s world No. 22 Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard.

The other home representatives in the men’s doubles are Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.