Malaysias Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun play a point against Indonesias Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto during their mens doubles final match at the Daihatsu Indonesia Masters 2025 badminton tournament at Istora stadium in Jakarta on January 26, 2025. (Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP)
KUALA LUMPUR: Quantity does not always equate to quality, but Malaysia’s men’s doubles squad are all set to make a strong statement at the upcoming All-England in just three weeks.
With seven pairs competing, which is a significant number for a prestigious Super 1000 event, each of them has the potential to end Malaysia’s 18-year wait for a men’s doubles title.
The last time a Malaysian pair stood atop the podium was in 2007, when Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong triumphed over China’s Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng.
Malaysia’s men’s doubles squad include four pairs from the national set-up, featuring two time All-England runners-up Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 11 duo Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, as well as rising pairs Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King and Chong Hon Jian-Mohd Haikal Nazri.
Joining them are three independent pairs, including world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, seasoned duo Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, and the experienced partnership of Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub-Tan Wee Kiong.
Head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi believes having seven Malaysian pairs at the All-England could be the breakthrough the country had been waiting for.
“This is definitely a good sign as we have seven Malaysian men’s doubles pairs competing this time,” said Herry.
“It is a large number, and it will certainly help the players be better prepared.
“With so many representatives, I believe they will have the opportunity to fine tune their preparations against other countries.’’
Although Herry will not be traveling to Birmingham due to visa issues, he will still be able to communicate his instructions to the players from afar.
His assistant, Muhammad Miftakh, will oversee their preparations and ensure Herry’s strategies are implemented throughout their time in Europe.
Aside from the All-England, some of these players will also compete in the German Open (Feb 25-March 2), followed by the Orleans Masters (March 4-9).
