Tall order: Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun are focusing on court strategies with coach Herry Iman Pierngadi ahead of the All-England.
PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles shuttlers Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun believe they are finally closing the gap to the world’s top 10 pairs.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun moved within touching distance of breaking into the top 10 after reaching a career-high No. 11 in the latest rankings.
The pair rose one rung from No. 12 after a flawless campaign in the Asia Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao recently.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun were the only Malaysian representatives to win both their matches in the group stage against Indonesia (Shohibul Fikri-Daniel Marthin) and Hong Kong (Hung Kuei Chun-Lui Chun Wai).
The duo, who used to lose close matches against the top pairs, also pulled off impressive wins over world No. 5 teammates Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and world No. 4 homesters Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto both in straight games en-route to capturing the Indonesian Masters title last month in Jakarta.
“The mentality of the top 10 pairs have been stronger than ours but now we are catching up,” said Kai Wun after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
“We know how to handle the pressure better when playing against them. Before matches, we also discuss more on our strategy.
“We are more relaxed on court and we keep focusing on every shot. We don’t think so much about winning or losing and this gives us the freedom to play well.
“Our form so far this year has given us confidence for our next tournaments,” added Kai Wun.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun are out to continue their impressive form this year in the prestigious All-England from March 11-16 in Birmingham.
Before that, the pair will also compete in the Orleans Masters from March 4-9 in France.
Wei Chong-Kai Wun have never progressed beyond the first round in Birmingham and are out to end their disappointing run in the tourney.
“We have never even reached the second round in the All-England and we are hoping for a breakthrough this time,” said Kai Wun.
“We have about two weeks to prepare for the tournaments in Europe and we need to work on our tactics. It’s also important for us to stay healthy.”
Wei Chong-Kai Wun are keen to impress new coach Herry Iman Pierngadi and earn a spot in the Sudirman Cup which will be held from April 27-May 4 in Xiamen, China.
The pair will be vying with Aaron-Wooi Yik and world No. 2 independent duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani for selection in the team meet.
“There are two pairs ranked higher than us, so all we can do is try to perform well in Europe. The rest is out of our hands,” said Kai Wun.
“We feel that we are still lacking a bit in terms of on court strategies and we are still learning new things under coach Herry.
“We hope to do well in every tournament. Even if we lose, we want to gain something and not return home empty-handed.”
