Hoping for the best: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik had come close to clinching the All-England title twice, finishing as runners-up in 2019 and 2024.
PETALING JAYA: It could all go right only if Aaron Chia’s right hand is all right.
Aaron and his men’s doubles partner Soh Wooi Yik are projected to do well at the All-England, unless unwanted issues arise from Aaron’s right hand, which was bandaged ahead of their departure to France for the Orleans Masters, starting on Tuesday.
National men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said if Aaron’s hand remains fine, the pair should comfortably be in the semi-finals of the All-England, which takes place from March 11-16.
“Their target is still to take the title at the All-England, but it depends on their condition at the time.
“I have been communicating with them, and if there are no injury issues, at the very least, I want to see them in the semis,” said Herry.
Before they start their campaign in Birmingham, Herry said it remains to be seen if the pair will participate in the Orleans Masters in France.
It would not be wise to force Aaron to compete at the tournament, as the priority remains the All-England.
“We will see how his condition is when we are there. If there is a chance to compete at the Orleans Masters, then we will.
“But the main target is the All-England.
“They have been watching footages and we have been discussing their game style. It is all a long process.
“I have not been here long, but from what I see during training, they have been preparing well,” he said.
Herry added that Aaron’s issues with his right hand is nothing new and is something the shuttler has been getting used to for some time.
“When it comes to worrying, there is a little but nothing much to be concerned about. Aaron had already had this issue during the Malaysian Open and Indonesian Masters in January,” he said.
Olympic bronze medallists Aaron-Wooi Yik had come close to clinching the All-England title twice, finishing as runners-up in 2019 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Herry also said Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun have a good chance to do well at the All-England and is expecting the world No. 11 pair to enter the semis.
