PETALING JAYA: Things are falling nicely into place in the men’s doubles department at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), but the key is to remain consistent.In fact, with four pairs in the top 20, it’s the best year for Malaysia to pile up the titles in 2025.
The top four are world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (No. 5), Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (No. 13) and Yap Roy King-Wan Arif Wan Junaidi (No. 20).
And with Herry Iman Pierngardi of Indonesia set to join the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) as the doubles head after the Chinese New Year, expect the doubles department to roar the loudest this year.
The departure of several top pairs, including Indonesian great Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan, the stage is set for the Malaysian players to make the doubles battle their own.
Eyes must be on the biggies like All-England (March 11-16), all the top-tiered Opens in Indonesia, Japan, China, Denmark, World Championships in Paris (Aug 25-31) and the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou (Dec 10-14).
Malaysia have already gotten a head start by winning two titles in just one month into the new year as professionals Sze Fei-Izzuddin bagged the Indian Masters last week while Wei Chong-Kai Wun joined the big boys league by lifting the Indonesian Masters in sheer style.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun upset home favourites and top seeds Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto 21-11, 21-19 in just 38 minutes at the iconic Istora Senayan on Sunday to pocket US$37,525 (RM164,284).
The duo had also beaten 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in the semi-finals.
Despite the defeat, Aaron-Wooi Yik showed marked improvement in their game and can always be counted in major tournaments.
The Indonesian meet will also be special for Arif-Roy King as they upstaged home heroes Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan in their last career tournament to enter the quarter-finals.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky is delighted to see the overall growth of the men’s doubles department.
“All our players performed quite well at the Indonesian Masters and I hope they will continue to remain consistent,” said Rexy.
“I hope Wei Chong and Kai Wun will keep a low profile while continuing to work hard in training and staying consistent.
“Looking at their performance, from the first round until the final, they played with confidence,” added Rexy.
With four solid pairs, and with several more snapping at the heels of the top pack, Malaysia can truly look forward for a better year in 2025.
