KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 14 men’s doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are bracing for a tough opening round encounter against No. 19 Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura of Japan in the Malaysian Open next week.
The Malaysian duo are focusing on a good strategy that will help them exploit the weaknesses of their opponents.
“Kenya and Hiroki are in the top 20 and could pose problems for us. We need to analyse their game and know what their weaknesses are,” said Wei Chong.
Wei Chong said the rise of compatriots Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani has also motivated him and Kai Wun to step up a few gears this year.
“Sze Fei-Izzuddin really made an impact last year and have rose to prominence. This year, we aim to perform at their level or even higher.
“But we have to fight harder and work smarter.’’
Wei Chong-Kai Wun could also be headed for an all-Malaysian quarter-final clash with Sze Fei-Izzuddin should the two home pairs clear their earlier rounds.
On that potential last-eight clash, Kai Wun said: “We don’t want to think too far ahead yet. Our focus is to win the first and second rounds, and then just take it from there, whoever we face.’’
Wei Chong-Kai Wun, however, are determined to improve on their previous Malaysian Open outing, where they reached the last eight.
“We plan to break through to the semis this time,” added Kai Wun.
“It’s about consistency. We need to play well in all our matches.”
