KUALA LUMPUR: Sometimes, expectations do not always translate into reality.
Malaysia's men's doubles head coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, did not hold back when he admitted that his players' campaign at the All-England was a failure.
It was a bitter pill to swallow, especially since Herry was initially optimistic that the presence of six men's doubles pairs, including three independent pairs, Teo Ee Yi-Ong Yew Sin, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei, and Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub, would boost Malaysia’s chances of securing a podium finish in Birmingham.
Unfortunately, his three charges faltered as Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik struggled with injuries, while debutants Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King delivered below-par performances, resulting in their early first round exits.
"Our showing at the All-England was not great due to several factors. I am not entirely sure, as I was not there, but from the information I received from (Muhammad) Miftakh, Aaron (Chia) was dealing with a hand injury.
"All I can say is that our performance at this year's All-England can be considered a failure," said Herry when met at Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on Friday (March 14).
Malaysia’s men’s doubles campaign at the All England came to an end after second seeds Nur Izzuddin Rumsani-Goh Sze Fei fell to South Korea’s Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae 16-21, 13-21 in the second round on Thursday (March 13).
Earlier, Wee Kiong-Azriyn and Ee Yi-Yew Sin also made early exits after losing in the first round.
